BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Responsibility Remains With Wathan

Several personnel decisions interim Manager John Wathan expected to hand off to Buck Rodgers will remain with Wathan, now that Rodgers’ return to managing has been postponed until mid-August. For now, Wathan will stick with changes he announced Thursday, which included moving Von Hayes to first base to replace Lee Stevens and giving Rene Gonzales the majority of playing time at third base while Gary Gaetti plays first base or is the designated hitter.

Wathan also said he will leave Bert Blyleven in the rotation despite Blyleven’s recent struggles. However, Joe Grahe could take Blyleven’s spot if Grahe’s own sore right elbow doesn’t prevent it.

Wathan has struggled to keep his sense of humor, joking that while he might have the longest tenure of any interim manager, he does not have the worst record. Wathan is 14-32, but Moose Stubing was 0-8 as Cookie Rojas’ replacement at the end of the 1988 season. “But as far as agony and frustration, I think I have him beat,” Wathan said.

Head trainer Ned Bergert said Hubie Brooks (strained neck) is improving but hasn’t picked up a bat. . . . Eduardo Perez, the Angels’ 1991 first-round draft pick, was hitting .295 at double-A Midland with four doubles and nine RBIs in his first 19 games after being promoted from Class-A Palm Springs.