BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Easley Might Play Third

Damion Easley would like to come off the disabled list and play second base tonight. Only half of that scenario is likely to happen, though.

Manager Buck Rodgers said if all is well with Easley’s shin splints today, he will probably play third base, with Torey Lovullo remaining at second. The thinking is that Easley--batting a team-leading .309--won’t have to cover as much ground at third, giving his legs a break. The Angels also need help at third because Kelly Gruber is expected to be placed on the disabled list today with an injury to his left neck and shoulder area.

Easley isn’t exactly thrilled with the move, but is eager to play again. “If that’s what he needs, then I’m capable (of playing third),” said Easley, who was used primarily as a third baseman last season but now feels more comfortable at second. “I understand his thinking. He wants to keep me in the lineup.”

Said Rodgers: “The plan right now is break him in and get him back into the lineup with the least amount of wear and tear. If we do it right, we can milk him through the second half of the season and he’ll have the winter to clear the shin splints up.”

Lovullo is hitting .222 with four runs batted in as Easley’s replacement at second and .283 with 18 RBIs overall.

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In Joe Grahe’s first minor league rehabilitation appearance, the right-handed reliever pitched one inning for triple-A Vancouver against Tacoma on Friday, giving up one run and earning the victory. He reported no pain from the tendinitis in his right elbow.

The Angels don’t expect Grahe, 2-1 with six saves and a 3.57 earned-run average, to return to Anaheim until July 10 at the earliest.