BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Downing Isn’t Holding His Breath

Overlooked in the fuss over Nolan Ryan’s return to Anaheim Stadium and his induction into the Angel Hall of Fame week was the return of another notable former Angel, Brian Downing.

Downing, who was an Angel from 1978-90 and remains the club’s career leader in nine offensive categories, doesn’t expect the Angels to honor him as they are honoring Ryan tonight, 13 years after Ryan’s departure.

“Never,” Downing said. “Not in 13 years, not in 30, not in 80.”

Downing, 41, said this is “absolutely” his last season. The strains of being away from his family--his wife and three sons live in Yorba Linda--and decreased playing time have taken a toll. Downing, after going two for five, is hitting .278 with 115 at-bats in 40 games.

Angel conditioning coach Jimmie Reese, after whom Ryan named his second son, Nolan Reese, will take part in tonight’s ceremonies. He’s a little worried about his role: presenting a gift to Ryan’s wife, Ruth.

“I don’t even know what it is,” he said. “All they told me is it’s something rare.”

Reese calls Ryan his “biggest bobo,” the highest compliment he can bestow. “He’s just a fine man, class personified,” said Reese, who joined the Angels in 1972, the same year Ryan joined the club.

Bobby Rose, sent to Class-A Palm Springs on rehabilitation assignment, will join triple-A Edmonton this week because of injuries to infielders Kevin Flora and Ken Oberkfell. . . . Catcher Lance Parrish, on the disabled list because of a torn right thumb nail and bruised thumb, has resumed hitting but still feels some soreness.