BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Grahe May Have Saved His Career

Joe Grahe might not be comfortable in his new role as a closer, but he isn’t arguing with his success.

Grahe began the season as a member of the Angels’ starting rotation but was optioned to triple-A Edmonton on May 14 with a 2-3 record and 5.90 earned-run average. He was recalled from the Trappers and assigned to the bullpen when Bryan Harvey was put on the disabled list and is two for two in save opportunities, both times preserving victories for Bert Blyleven. He has also stranded all three runners he has faced and pitched 8 1/3 scoreless innings over four appearances.

“My worst fear happened. I was sent down and I survived,” Grahe said.”

Scott Bailes, pitcher and entrepreneur, had T-shirts made up for Angel players, coaches and staff members with a picture of a bus on the front and on the back, the words, “Together we survived,” and the date May 22, 1992. But the bus accident in which Manager Buck Rodgers and 12 others were injured occurred on May 21. “Typical left-hander,” Rodgers said Thursday. “Can’t get the date right.”