BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Oberkfell Joins the Infield

In a move designed to fortify their bench and realign their infield, the Angels purchased the contract of infielder Ken Oberkfell from their triple-A Edmonton farm club. He took the roster spot of catcher John Orton, who was put on the disabled list because of a strained right shoulder.

With Oberkfell to back up Rene Gonzales at third base, Gary Gaetti will begin to work out at first base. Von Hayes started at first Thursday and will probably play there often after the All-Star break, with Lee Stevens consigned to pinch-hitting duties.

“Defensively, it really helps us when (Gonzales) is at third base,” interim Manager John Wathan said. “We’ve got three left-handed pitchers, and that’s an important position, third base. I’m not saying Gary won’t play over there.”

Gaetti, who will turn 34 in August, is in the second year of a guaranteed four-year, $11.4-million contract. The four-time Gold Glove winner, who is hitting .223, said he has no problem with shifting to first.

“I haven’t played like a Gold Glove at third base this year for whatever reason,” said Gaetti, whose 17 errors equals his 1991 total. “I can’t blame them. . . . My number one concern is what’s going to be best for the team, so I can’t concern myself with the pride thing. I don’t see all the things they see when I go out there. I’m not saying I disagree, but I play and they watch. I’ll work out behind the plate if they want me to do that.”

Oberkfell, whose dismal spring training was compounded by a rotator cuff injury, hit .282 with 34 runs batted in in 61 games with Edmonton. He grounded out as a pinch-hitter Thursday.

UCLA pitcher Pete Janicki, the Angels’ first-round draft pick and eighth selection overall, was found to have a healing stress fracture during a magnetic resonance imaging exam performed at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood. Head trainer Ned Bergert said the fracture is healing and that rest was prescribed for Janicki.

An arthrogram performed on Orton’s shoulder found no tear in his rotator cuff, and he will continue to receive therapy at Anaheim Stadium. Tests on Bryan Harvey’s right elbow found no stress fracture to explain the inflammation on the inside of his right elbow. Harvey also will receive therapy in California.