BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Harvey Wants to Return This Season

Despite setbacks in his recovery from a sore right elbow--including enough discomfort to scrap plans to activate him from the disabled list this week--Bryan Harvey said Monday he intends to pitch again this season.

Harvey, who last pitched June 30, is in his second stint on the DL and no timetable has been set for his return. When asked if he’s nearing the point of being more concerned with next season than about having him pitch again this season, interim manager John Wathan said: “I think we’re there. . . . There’s certainly no reason to rush him back.”

But Harvey believes he’d gain a psychological victory by returning this season, even if it’s late in the season.

“If I get to pitch in a game at all, that would be good,” said Harvey, whose latest comeback hopes were dashed when he felt tightness in his elbow after the last road trip. “It’s not really pain now, it just gets a little tight. I don’t want it to drag on into next year. There’s a lot of time left. I’d like to pitch again and be healthy and ready to go next year.”

Tim Fortugno, moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen after Jim Abbott was activated from the disabled list, said giving up two runs in relief Sunday was his toughest major league outing. “I really, really want to do well as a reliever, to show them I can be versatile,” Fortugno said. “The bullpen is not a place I’m unfamiliar with, but now I’ve got to change gears. It’s not any different as far as going out and throwing strikes, but there’s less margin for error. As a starter you can make a mistake here or there and get out of a jam, but not as a reliever.”

The Angels have had no contact with Scott Boras, who represents Abbott, after saying three weeks ago they would contact Boras within a day to continue contract discussions. . . . Abbott said he no longer has the shoulder stiffness that bothered him after his start Saturday. . . . Hubie Brooks (strained neck) is near being sent on a rehabilitation assignment. Wathan said he would ask Senior Vice President Dan O’Brien what the club planned for Brooks. . . . Catcher Greg Myers hit off a tee but his sprained right wrist hasn’t completely healed. Catcher Ron Tingley, who left Sunday’s game after being hit on the right forearm, was available Monday but didn’t start. . . . Fernando Valenzuela pitched his seventh consecutive complete game Sunday for Jalisco of the Mexican League. Valenzuela, who was 0-2 with a 12.15 earned-run average for the Angels in two starts last season, is 8-9 for Jalisco this season. “He is hoping to be ready to return (to the major leagues) next season, maybe with expansion,” said his agent, Tony DeMarco. . . . Left-hander Bruce Ruffin (1-3) will start for the Brewers Wednesday.