BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : DiSarcina’s Hitting Surprises Rodgers

The Angels settled for Dick Schofield’s meager offensive production because of his defensive prowess at short, but they haven’t had to make that compromise with Schofield’s successor, Gary DiSarcina.

The Angels’ No. 9 hitter has a .311 batting average, 136 points above his career average. He’s been held hitless in two consecutive games only once and had an on-base percentage of .383, second among the regulars. With 16 runs scored, he ranked third on the Angels.

“I’m surprised he’s stayed up there as long as he has,” Manager Buck Rodgers said of DiSarcina’s average. “It’s been very impressive the way he’s adjusted to breaking balls and made adjustments each time he’s had to. He’s never satisfied.”

DiSarcina said he has been aiming for consistency after hitting .392 in spring training. “I kind of have the seem feeling I had then, where I can sense when I start going bad and make adjustments,” DiSarcina said. “Now, if I get in a rut, it’s two or three games, not two or three weeks, which keeps you on an even keel. . . . I’m not getting too excited yet, because it’s going to be a long year.”

Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell made his Angel radio debut Monday, the first of 14 broadcasts he will do on KMPC. His dismissal last year after 31 years with the Tigers caused a fury in Detroit, and he was greeted warmly Monday by ushers, players and fans.

“I didn’t want to come back as a spectator,” he said. “It’s sort of funny being here because I haven’t been to this ballpark since my last game. Everyone’s been very hospitable. It’s like a ballplayer being traded and going to the other clubhouse.”

Pitcher Don Robinson (arthritic left hip) threw on the side Monday and will throw again Wednesday. He’s eligible to be activated off the disabled list May 8 and probably will go to the bullpen when he’s fit. . . . Right fielder Von Hayes (strained left hamstring) was ready to play Monday but was held out because of the chilly weather. Hayes is expected to return Wednesday, and when he comes back, he might hit second because Junior Felix has been so successful hitting third during Hayes’ absence. . . . John Morris left the game in the fifth inning because of tightness in lower left rib cage and was replaced in right field by Chad Curtis. . . . Pitcher Matt Keough and his wife, Jeana, became parents for the third time Saturday. Colton Martin Keough, born at Saddleback Women’s Hospital in El Toro, weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. Parents and baby are fine.