BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Oates Defends Managing Status

Johnny Oates said that rumors of his dismissal as manager of the Baltimore Orioles have not altered his approach to the job, and he lashed out at the media for depicting him as a nervous leader struggling to hang onto his post.

Meanwhile, owner Peter Angelos said Oates’ job was not immediately in jeopardy.

The Orioles are two games out of first place in the American League East. But Angelos has expressed displeasure with the team’s performance, and a newspaper article Friday quoted Angelos as saying Oates was “obstinate . . . not a very good manager.”

“I’m going to keep being the same manager that I’ve always been,” Oates said. “I’m not going to change my style of managing just because someone thinks I should.

“It was good enough to get me here. If it’s not good enough to keep me here, I’m not going to make any sacrifices. I’m no different than I was last year.”

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The Boston Red Sox put right-handed reliever Scott Bankhead on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right groin and purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Rick Trlicek from triple-A Pawtucket.