BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Rodgers Fined for Umpire Incident

Angel Manager Buck Rodgers was fined by American League President Dr. Bobby Brown for using abusive language toward home-plate umpire Greg Kosc in last Tuesday’s game against the Oakland Athletics.

Rodgers screamed at Kosc after the umpire ejected Angel pitcher Mike Butcher for allegedly throwing at outfielder Dave Henderson.

Rodgers said: “All I told him was, ‘The trouble with you (guys) is that you can’t tell a . . . fastball from a breaking pitch, and that was a . . . breaking pitch, you . . . . ‘ “

Rodgers has been instructed not to disclose the amount of the fine, but it is believed to be about $250.

Butcher has not been fined by the American League office.

“Maybe it got lost in the mail,” Butcher said, “at least, that’s what I’m hoping.”

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Angel pitcher Julio Valera said he will be be admitted into Centinela hospital tonight to undergo season-ending elbow surgery Thursday.

“I think this will be for the best,” Valera said. “I can’t go out there pitching like I was. I was hurting the team and myself.”

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Rodgers reiterated that he has no interest in acquiring former Cy Young winner Mark Davis, who will become a free agent today upon clearing waivers. Davis, who has been traded twice and released in the last year, is expected to sign with the San Diego Padres.

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Angel catcher John Orton, who has been troubled by a tender right elbow since returning from the disabled list with a thumb injury, underwent precautionary X-rays before the game.