BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Mets Increase Interest in Schofield

The New York Mets have intensified their interest in Angel shortstop Dick Schofield, believing Kevin Elster’s shoulder problems will keep him from playing every day.

Also, two American League general managers said this week they knew the Mets were eager to acquire Schofield. It is not clear what the Angels would want in return--their original request for pitcher Pete Schourek was rejected--but they might settle for a pitching prospect.

Richard Brown, Angel president, is not alarmed by the Angels’ slow start. “When you go with three kids, like we’re going with Bobby Rose, Gary DiSarcina and Lee Stevens, and with Chad Curtis as the fourth outfielder, you’re going to suffer some lean times,” Brown said. . . . Manager Buck Rodgers said that putting Chuck Finley on the disabled list is a possibility “we’ll have to talk about very seriously” Sunday if Finley’s hyper-extended left big toe keeps him from throwing on the side. . . . Don Robinson, who will make his AL debut tonight, said he will miss batting. Said Robinson, a career .235 hitter: “It’s always been an advantage for me.”