BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Rodgers Concerned About Grahe

As it turned out, there was a good reason why Manager Buck Rodgers used Gene Nelson instead of regular closer Joe Grahe in the ninth inning of Friday’s 8-4 victory over Baltimore. Grahe has been sidelined since Wednesday because of a strained muscle in his right shoulder. Rodgers said Grahe’s injury isn’t serious, but he probably won’t be available for today’s game.

Rodgers is concerned because Grahe also has been troubled by a neck ailment that forced him to miss several games.

“To me, he’s going to have to go through a tough physical program to strengthen the muscles,” Rodgers said. “He was pretty durable last year, but I definitely think Joe is going to have to get himself physically in tune.”

*

Rodgers said Nelson, who got his first save since Aug. 11, 1990 on Friday, figures in his plans as a potential closer. “I said in spring training that it’s going to be a committee-type situation.” So far, Grahe has a team-leading six saves in seven opportunities. . . . Greg Myers caught Mark Langston for the first time this season Saturday. John Orton, Langston’s designated catcher this year, has a tender shoulder and did not play.