Lachemann Not Worried About Arias

George Arias is batting .203, he has been removed for a pinch-hitter in 13 games, and he has at times appeared overmatched at the plate, but Manager Marcel Lachemann will apparently stick with his rookie third baseman for the time being.

“Third base is not our problem,” Lachemann snapped when asked if he was considering a change. “It’s not George’s fault we’re not hitting. He wasn’t supposed to hit. All he was supposed to do is play good defense, and he has. . . . We’re just not playing very well as a team.”

Arias, who has also failed to advance runners with sacrifice bunts in two critical situations, believes he needs to be more aggressive.

“I’m up there trying to feel for the ball and swinging at bad pitches,” he said. “It’s like pulling teeth now, but I’ve got to keep battling, keep trying to help this team in some way. I have to learn how to handle this.”

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Along with poor pitching, hitting and defense Sunday, the Angels committed a base-running gaffe when designated hitter Chili Davis, after singling to right field in the third inning, tried to take second when Lyle Mouton’s throw went all the way to third in an attempt to cut down lead runner Tim Salmon.

White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura’s throw to second baseman Ray Durham arrived well in advance of Davis, who was tagged for the second out of the inning. J.T. Snow then struck out to end the threat.

“That was a poor decision,” Lachemann said.

Davis, who has been slowed by a groin injury, thought it was good baserunning. “The only thing lacking was speed,” he said.