BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : There’s Little Chance of Signing Esasky

The Angels’ pursuit of free agent Nick Esasky apparently has ended before it got very far.

Dan O’Brien, the Angels’ senior vice president for baseball operations, said the team’s chase of Esasky has “dried up.” Esasky, who has missed most of the last two seasons because of vertigo, was released by the Atlanta Braves last week at his request. He is seeking a major league contract rather than a two-way contract or assignment to the minor leagues.

“On a scale of one to 10, it’s a one,” O’Brien said of the Angels’ chance of signing Esasky to bolster their offense.

Hubie Brooks, out more than a month because of weakness in a nerve in his neck and shoulder, intends to resume throwing and other baseball-related activity by the end of the week. “I can’t take too much more of this,” he said of his enforced idleness.

Bryan Harvey, who experienced discomfort in his right elbow while throwing Friday, was to be examined by team orthopedist Lewis Yocum today. Neither Harvey nor Jim Abbott (pulled rib-cage muscle) threw Saturday. . . . Catcher John Orton (sore right shoulder) might begin throwing Monday.

In striking out 12 times against Angel rookie Tim Fortugno, the Detroit Tigers didn’t even match their high for the week. They struck out 15 times at Seattle against Randy Johnson and Mariner relievers. The Tigers lead the AL with 657 strikeouts. . . . The last pitcher to earn his first major league victory after the age of 30 was Tony Fossas, who was 31 years 9 months old when he and the Brewers defeated the Blue Jays on June 15, 1989. Fortugno was 30 years 3 months and 14 days old Saturday.

Catcher Ron Tingley had his first multiple-hit game of the season and has driven in runs in consecutive games for the first time. Tingley was two for four with two RBIs, both in the second inning. “Wow, I’ve got to go home and rest,” he said, laughing. . . . Luis Polonia, who was two for five, is hitting .382 (26 for 68) in July. He has had eight multiple-hit games in his last 11 starts. . . . Rene Gonzales is 13 for 34 (.382) on the home stand, raising his average from .253 to .271. In improving their record on this home stand to 7-3, the Angels are above .500 at home (24-23) for the first time since they were 7-6 on May 9.