BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Owen Owns Edge at Third

Manager Marcel Lachemann won’t say Eduardo Perez has lost his third base job, but Perez’s hold on the position is tenuous, at best.

Spike Owen, who replaced Perez as the team’s third baseman last June and hit a career-best .310, started there Thursday night, the third time in the last four games he has replaced Perez, who is struggling offensively (.180) and defensively (team-high six errors).

“Eddie will play third base, but I wouldn’t say he’s the third baseman,” Lachemann said. “He has a battle on his hands. The most important thing is to win games, and if we feel Eddie is the best guy for that day, we’ll play him.”

Owen, who raised his average from .176 on May 11 to .250 entering Thursday’s game, led the American League last season with a .452 average with runners in scoring position.

“He’s been very good at getting big base hits,” Lachemann said. “He led our club in that last year and did it again Wednesday night.”

Perez, who has shuttled between triple-A Vancouver and Anaheim the past two seasons, must produce this season if he is to remain in the Angels’ plans, but the front office is not panicking after 61 at-bats.

“He’s played well defensively and struggled offensively and he’s probably frustrated,” General Manager Bill Bavasi said. “Give the guy a chance.”