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 just 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 both offensively (he’s hitting .169) and defensively (he leads the team with seven errors).

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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 at Lake Elsinore today. “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 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 just 16 of 61 games.