BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Owen Gets Plenty of Playing Time

Infielder Spike Owen asked to be traded during spring training because he didn’t see much playing time in his future. The way things have been going lately, he might be asking for a day off.

Sunday, Owen was in the starting lineup for the fourth time in five games.

“There have been a lot of changes since spring,” Owen said, smiling. “All I ever asked for is the opportunity to play. I don’t think I have any problems with anybody on this team because of what I said this spring. I’m sure it didn’t surprise anyone.”

Owen has only three hits in 14 at-bats in his last five starts, but he has two runs batted in--including the game-winner during Wednesday night’s 3-1 victory over New York--and has scored three times.

Eduardo Perez, who was supposed to be the everyday third baseman, has struggled on offense (he’s hitting .169) and defense (he leads the team with seven errors).

“The kid is struggling a little,” Owen said, “but I don’t think the way I’m hitting the ball has gone unnoticed. I think I’ve found something at the plate. Even when I went 0 for four Friday night, I hit the ball really hard twice.”

Owen singled and lined out to center in four at-bats Sunday.

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The Angel front office is looking pretty good after signing Chili Davis to a three-year, $11.4-million contract May 4. Davis has 29 hits in his last 66 at-bats (.439) with 18 runs, five doubles, five homers and 21 RBIs.

According to Tim Salmon, however, Davis’ worth cannot be calculated with statistics alone.

“There’s no question Chili has had a dramatic impact on my career,” Salmon said. “He really cares about you. You can go to him with anything, an on-the-field problem or a family situation, anything.

“He’s been like a father to me in a lot of ways.”

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Right-hander Mike James, who was put on the disabled list May 11 because of a strained neck, pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout for Class-A Lake Elsinore Saturday night. James said he felt “great,” and will pitch again today in Lake Elsinore. “They haven’t told me what’s next after that,” he said. “We’re just going to wait and see how I feel.”. . . Boston starter Tim Vanegmond, who gave up seven hits and five runs in 2 1/3 innings Sunday, was optioned to Pawtucket (R.I.) after the game. “I’m more disappointed with the way I pitched than I am about being sent down,” he said . . . J.T. Snow’s run-scoring single in the first inning marked the 17th game in which he had driven in at least one run. Last season, he had an RBI in only 16 of 61 games . . . Just how wild is Mitch (Wild Thing) Williams? Lee Smith, reaching into a bucket of balls before a game recently: “Let’s see, I better take four or five. I’ve got to play catch with Mitch.”