BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Wathan Returns to Dugout From Iowa

Interim Manager John Wathan returned to the dugout Saturday after a four-game absence because of his father’s death. Jim Wathan, 80, suffered a brain hemorrhage Tuesday and died Wednesday. The funeral was Friday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“He was real active, so if he had to go, I’m glad it was quickly rather than going into a nursing home,” Wathan said. “He was a pilot for 40 years and used to barnstorm around the Midwest.”

Of pitching coach Marcel Lachemann’s 3-1 record during his absence, Wathan joked: “I leave, and the pitchers start pitching better. I’ll have to talk to them about that.”

Dave Parker, released by the Angels last season, said he isn’t bitter about his fate. However, he questioned some other personnel decisions.

“I can’t believe they didn’t sign (Dave) Winfield and they let Wally (Joyner) go,” said Parker, who played in Saturday’s old-timers’ game. “As far as myself, well, it’s done. I had knee surgery and that takes a full year to recover, but I was still fourth overall (in RBIs).”

Parker has entered the fast-food business in the Cincinnati area.

Although he is hitless in his last 19 at-bats, Luis Polonia said his sore left shoulder hasn’t affected his hitting. “I’m just hitting up,” he said. “I have to hit down.” . . . Gary DiSarcina batted eighth Saturday, the first time he has batted anywhere but ninth in the starting lineup. . . . Damion Easley is hitless in his nine major league at-bats. . . . Luis Sojo was ejected for arguing a strike call as pinch-hitter during the ninth inning. . . . As part of a weekend celebrating the A’s 25th season in Oakland, the A’s and Angels today will wear their 1968 uniforms. Former Angel Manager Doug Rader, now the A’s hitting instructor, has recovered from the inner-ear problem that grounded him during Oakland’s last trip. “I’m not clinging to dear Earth anymore,” Rader said.