BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Springer Says He’s Sound Now

Russ Springer said he didn’t get a fair chance with the Angels last season. But he also knows some of what transpired in 1993 was his fault. Springer, who will make his first major league start of the season tonight, acknowledged that he lied to the Angels about the severity of a back injury last season.

“I told them whenever I was hurting that I was OK because I wanted to pitch,” said Springer, who was 1-6 with a 7.20 ERA before his season was cut short because of the back injury.

“I’m healthy now for real. There’s nothing wrong with my back whatsoever.”

Springer won six of his last seven starts at triple-A Vancouver, had a 7-4 record and 3.04 ERA.

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Tonight marks a full week back in the majors for first baseman J.T. Snow and he said he is following the advice Manager Marcel Lachemann gave him last Saturday.

“He told me, ‘We don’t expect you to carry the team,’ ” Snow said. “I just get the feeling I can relax and play. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t putting any pressure on myself (last season).”

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The Eduardo Perez project is progressing as planned at Vancouver, where he is being converted into a third baseman. Perez has been tutored daily by Eddie Rodriguez, the Angels’ roving defensive instructor.