BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Abbott Tapes Greeting for Harwell

Jim Abbott, who was a Tiger fan while growing up in Flint, Mich., has taped a special greeting for Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell to be aired today when the former Tiger radio voice joins the Angels’ radio crew.

Harwell, the Hall of Fame announcer who was let go by the Tigers after last season, will work several Angel games this season on KMPC. Abbott considered it a happy coincidence that Harwell will make his Angel debut today, when Abbott pitches.

“It’s great that he’s doing our games. He’s the best,” said Abbott, who often listened to Harwell’s broadcasts. “He’s such a nice man, too. I’m glad they thought of this.”

Bert Blyleven pitched seven strong innings for double-A Midland Saturday but was a 3-2 loser to El Paso. Blyleven, attempting a comeback from rotator cuff surgery a year ago, is 2-3 in five starts with 23 strikeouts in 33 innings and a 2.72 earned-run average. He has given up 27 hits, three walks and three home runs.

Blyleven, 41, is likely to be promoted to triple-A Edmonton when the Trappers play in a warmer climate than they have been experiencing at home. That decision will be made by Senior Vice President Whitey Herzog, who has watched Blyleven’s last two starts.

“All the reports we’ve gotten have been very encouraging. They say he’s getting better every time out,” pitching coach Marcel Lachemann said. “They’re really pleased with his attitude and his work ethic around the kids. Bert likes to have fun, but he knows how to work.”

After 24 games, the Angels have yet to repeat a lineup. Sunday’s main variation had John Morris, a left-handed hitter, in right field and hitting second against Charles Nagy. Junior Felix remained in the third spot, where he was six for 12 in this series with eight runs batted in and four runs scored. Von Hayes, who hit third until a strained left hamstring forced him out of the lineup, is progressing but is still not ready to return. . . . Lance Parrish, sidelined three games by a sore right elbow, returned Sunday and was one for three. He was less successful in throwing out baserunners, as the Indians were seven for eight. Alex Cole tied a team and personal record with five, and Mark Whiten stole two. Only Craig Worthington was caught. Parrish shouldn’t get all the blame, because the Indians’ runners were getting huge jumps on the Angels’ pitchers. Seven steals matched the league high this season, first accomplished by the Brewers against the Blue Jays on April 30.