BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Catcher Orton Back From Minors

John Orton, once considered likely to be the opening-day catcher, finally made his season debut Friday after being called up from triple-A Edmonton after Lance Parrish went on the disabled list because of an injured thumbnail.

Orton, knocked out of contention for the starting job during spring training because of an inflamed right shoulder, was hitting .236 in 37 games for Edmonton.

The Angels sent him down to rehabilitate, and left him there so he could continue to play regularly, a practice that sometimes frustrates minor leaguers yearning to be in the majors.

“It’s tough even for veterans to come off the bench and produce,” Orton said. “I definitely feel the best way to learn is by playing every day. Game experience is about the only way you can learn the game.”

Bryan Harvey, whose sore right elbow has thrown a scare into the Angels, said the elbow “feels pretty good,” and he expects to be cleared to play catch on Sunday.

“I don’t think it’s anything real serious,” said Harvey, who has not thrown since going on the disabled list Sunday. Provided he gets clearance from team orthopedist Lewis Yocum on Sunday, he expects to start preparing to return from the DL. He is eligible to return June 22.

Von Hayes and hitting instructor Rod Carew had a brief but loud argument across the clubhouse before Friday’s game. The disagreement apparently stemmed from a misunderstanding about what time Hayes should have reported for extra batting practice. They talked afterward, and both agreed the problem was behind them.

Nolan Ryan, who is to be inducted into the Angels’ Hall of Fame Tuesday, remains tentatively scheduled to pitch Wednesday. . . . Manager Buck Rodgers, out with injuries sustained in the team’s May 21 bus crash, is scheduled to hold his first news conference Thursday at his home.