BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Schofield Gets Another Call

The Angels moved quickly to help fill the void created when shortstop Gary DiSarcina tore a ligament in his left thumb, agreeing to terms with former Angel Dick Schofield, a free agent who has not played since he was released by the Dodgers on May 16. Schofield will join Vancouver, the Angels’ triple-A affiliate, Monday in Salt Lake City.

“Dick was home and available,” General Manager Bill Bavasi said, “but it will take him a while to get in shape.”

Schofield, 32, batted .100 in nine games with the Dodgers. In ‘94, he hit .255 in 95 games with Toronto. Schofield was a former No. 1 pick (third overall) by the Angels and played with them from 1983 to ’92.

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There weren’t a lot of tears being shed when the news of DiSarcina’s injury reached the manager’s office in the visiting clubhouse.

“Don’t come to me with any sob stories about the California Angels,” Texas Manager Johnny Oates said. “I’ve lost my third baseman [Dean Palmer], my left fielder [Juan Gonzalez] and they were the [Nos.] 4 and 5 hitters, and we lost [right-hander starter Bob] Tewksbury.

“Is the reason they’re playing this well because of their shortstop who hits ninth? Well, a good way to find out is to go without him for a while. But if they keep scoring seven runs a game, it won’t mean a thing.”

Texas infielder Mark McLemore, a former Angel, isn’t so sure.

“The guy’s batting .320 and playing damn fine shortstop every day,” he said. “I’m not taking anything away from Spike [Owen], but it’s hard to replace what he means to that team. It’s really a tough break for them.”

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Bavasi said second baseman Damion Easley probably will get some playing time at shortstop along with Owen. . . . The Angels recalled infielder Rod Correia from Vancouver to fill DiSarcina’s spot on the roster. Correia batted .200 in seven games with the Angels this year. . . . Right-hander Scott Sanderson, who underwent surgery in Chicago on Thursday to repair a herniated disk, is home and will begin rehabilitation Monday.