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

Overlooked in the fuss over Nolan Ryan’s return to Anaheim Stadium and his induction into the Angel Hall of Fame 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 ever honor him as they are honoring Ryan tonight, 13 years after his departure.

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

Downing, who will be 42 in October, 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 of decreased playing time have taken their toll. Downing was hitting .273 before Monday’s game, with 110 at-bats in 39 games.

“I’m not playing much and they can’t use me defensively,” said Downing, who last played a position other than designated hitter on Oct. 4, 1987, when he played left field. “I’m not much of a part-time player. . . . I sat the last four days and now they have me leading off against Abbie (Jim Abbott), and with my style, that’s kind of difficult.”

Angel conditioning coach Jimmie Reese, in whose honor Ryan named his second son 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 Reese 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. “He’s had a marvelous career and he’s a credit to the game.”

Ryan’s eldest son, Reid, 20, will throw batting practice for the Rangers today. Reid is a pitcher at TCU and is playing summer ball in Alaska. . . . Bobby Rose, sent to Class-A Palm Springs on rehabilitation assignment, will join triple-A Edmonton this week because injuries to infielders Kevin Flora and Ken Oberkfell have left the Trappers shorthanded. “And a little better competition can’t hurt, either,” interim Manager John Wathan said. . . . Catcher Lance Parrish, on the disabled list (torn right thumb nail and bruised thumb), has resumed hitting but still feels some soreness. . . . Outfielder John Morris (gastritis) said he is fine and is merely counting the days until he’s eligible to come off the DL in a week. . . . Reliever Bryan Harvey (sore right elbow) felt no discomfort after throwing for 10 minutes Sunday.