Lachemann Not Worried About Arias

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

“Third base is not our problem,” Lachemann said 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 also has failed to advance runners with sacrifice bunts in two critical situations this season, 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.”

Arias comes to the park every day fully expecting to be the starting third baseman, but Chili Davis, the team’s veteran designated hitter, thinks the rookie might be looking over his shoulder a bit.

“He seems so worried,” Davis said. “I don’t know if he’s worried about being sent down [to the minor leagues], but if he is, he’s going to worry himself right down. He’s got to start beating up on pitchers now, because they don’t know him, and they really don’t know how to pitch to him.”

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Along with poor pitching, hitting and defense Sunday, the Angels committed a base-running gaffe when Davis, after singling to right field in the third inning, attempted 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 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.

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Chuck Finley made his 315th career appearance Sunday, surpassing Mike Witt (314) for most games pitched in Angel history.