BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Return of Orton Charges Batteries

The Angels hope that John Orton’s return will help solidify their catching situation.

Orton, who had not been behind the plate since May 28 because of a sore shoulder and strained thumb, was activated from the disabled list Tuesday and made his first start in a month. He produced a double and single in his first two at-bats for only his second multiple-hit game since April 20.

“He evaluates the pitcher’s strength real well,” Manager Buck Rodgers said, “and he can change directions with a minimum of damage. The big question for him has been his bat.”

The Angels made room on the roster by designating Larry Gonzales for reassignment. If he clears waivers, they will outright him to triple-A Vancouver. The Angels also activated pitcher Victor Silveiro from the 60-day emergency disabled list and optioned him to Class-A Palm Springs, filling their 40-man roster.

Rodgers said that the Angels probably will bring up triple-A catcher Chris Turner in September, and then allow double-A catcher Jorge Fabregas to compete for the starting job with Turner and Orton in the spring.

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Whitey Herzog, Angel vice president, on the new ban on tobacco in the minor leagues: “You would think the owners would have something better to worry about than banning chewing tobacco.

“Look at that stuff they’ve got instead now, bubble gum, jawbreakers, you think that crap is better for your mouth than tobacco? I just don’t get it.”

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The Houston Astros reportedly signed pitcher Billy Wagner, the 12th pick in the draft, for $600,000, according to a source. The Angels still are hoping that they can sign Brian Anderson, the third pick in the draft, for less than $1 million. No. 1 pick Alex Rodriguez and No. 2 pick Darren Dreifort each are seeking more than $2 million.