BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Lefferts ‘Wasn’t Getting the Job Done’

The Angels released veteran left-hander Craig Lefferts and activated relief pitcher Scott Lewis from the disabled list.

“Craig just wasn’t getting the job done,” Manager Marcel Lachemann said.

Lefferts struggled after Lachemann became manager, posting an 8.27 earned-run average in 16 appearances. Under Buck Rodgers, Lefferts had a 1.47 ERA in 15 appearances.

The Angels had been trying to trade Lefferts but his contract got in the way. He earns a base salary of $400,000 and already has been paid $150,000 in incentives this year. He was scheduled to earn $75,000 in incentives for his 35th and 40th appearances, and then start earning $100,000 for every five games.

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Pitching coach Chuck Hernandez rejoined the team after the birth of his son, Cody Chase (7 pounds 14 ounces). Cody was in intensive care after delivery but Hernandez reports that the baby is home and doing fine, as is Donna Hernandez, wife and mother.

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Designated hitter Chili Davis says he doesn’t really care if he gets an at-bat in the All-Star game Tuesday, but. . . .

“If I’m in it, I’m going deep.”

Davis was bypassed for the home-run hitting contest in favor of Albert Belle, Ken Griffey Jr., Ruben Sierra and Frank Thomas.

But to hear him tell it, nothing could happen at the All-Star game that could surpass his thrill Friday.

“Hey, I got to meet Mickey Mantle today,” he said. “Can you believe it.”

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Reliever John Dopson, put on the disabled list June 24, will not have to undergo surgery on the bone spur in his right shoulder. He still is unable to even play catch, however, and the Angels don’t expect him to go on a rehabilitative assignment until possibly August.