BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Longer Throw Costs Easley Arm Trouble

Damion Easley, who moved over to shortstop from second base to fill the void created when Gary DiSarcina suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb, underwent an MRI Sunday and was diagnosed with tendinitis in his right rotator cuff.

Easley, who said he hurt his shoulder a week ago, is listed as day-to-day.

“The longer throw from short definitely has something to do with it,” Easley said. “But it’s just general wear and tear, nothing serious.”

Spike Owen will replace Easley for the time being, with Rene Gonzales as his backup and minor leaguer Rod Correia at triple-A Vancouver and available Friday when rosters expand.

“There are a number of considerations,” Lachemann said, “but ideally, we’d like to have Damion there.”

*

A couple of weeks ago, the Angels were wondering how they could wedge Shawn Boskie into the rotation. With Brian Anderson and Mike Harkey struggling, however, a couple of spots appear to be opening.

Boskie was 6-2 with a 4.81 earned-run average before going on the disabled list July 6 because of tendinitis in his right elbow. After four rehab appearances in the minors, he is ready and will return to the team Friday.

Anderson, who gave up 10 hits Saturday night, has lost four in a row and given up at least four earned runs in each of his last four starts, none of which lasted longer than 6 1/3 innings. Harkey has lost three in a row and has given up five homers in the last three games.

“There is no plan [to return Boskie to the rotation],” Lachemann said. “I’m not saying it’s not a possibility, but there’s no plan right now.”

*

The Angels may be falling back toward the pack in the American League West, but Anderson said they aren’t out of control.

“It’s just a normal part of a year. You have your ups and downs in this game,” he said. “If it happens in the beginning of the year, nothing is said, but now that we’re getting near the end, everything is under a microscope.

“I think we’re fine,” he said. “We’re just not playing real well right now, but there’s too much talent and heart and desire in this clubhouse. We’ll turn it back around.”

*

Right-hander Phil Leftwich, who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery for torn cartilage during the off-season, was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list Sunday and optioned to Vancouver. Leftwich was 5-10 with a 5.68 earned-run average in 20 starts last season. . . . Left-hander Tim Fortugno, who was obtained in the July 27 trade with the Chicago White Sox that brought Jim Abbott back to the Angels, was designated for assignment.