BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Arias’ Fielding Covers His Hitting

The Angels continue to be pleased with the play of rookie third baseman George Arias in the field. However, they were hoping for more sock at the plate than Arias has displayed so far.

It’s possible Arias, batting a season-low .186 before Friday’s game against Minnesota, could be benched in place of either Jack Howell or Tim Wallach. But Arias’ fine defense makes the possibility of a quick hook unlikely.

“I definitely want to give him some time with Rod [Carew, Angel hitting instructor who returned Friday from a leave of absence],” Manager Marcel Lachemann said. “It’s not an indefinite thing [keeping Arias in the lineup]. I’d like to have Rod get a look at his swing and see if we can’t get it ironed out.

“I’ve talked to [Arias] about how his defensive contributions have helped us win a few games. He’s still fielding very well and has kept his head up.”

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Second baseman Randy Velarde, sidelined with infections in both ears the past three games, could be ready to return to the lineup tonight.

“He still has a little ringing in his ears,” Lachemann said. “But he was able to take limited batting practice today. He’s pretty much been limited to that. But compared to [Thursday], he’s had a vast improvement.”

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General Manager Bill Bavasi on utility player Rex Hudler: “He comes off the bench like a caged animal that’s just been freed.”

Hudler hit .500 (nine for 18 with two home runs, two doubles, five runs scored and three RBIs) on the recent trip to Milwaukee, Chicago and Oakland. He replaced Velarde for the third straight game Friday.

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Pitcher Mark Langston and first baseman J.T. Snow will be presented with their Gold Glove awards before tonight’s game. . . . Scott Sanderson, on the disabled list with a groin strain, will probably pitch a simulated game on Monday. . . . Bryan Harvey, recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, also might throw a simulated game in the next few days. Lachemann believes Harvey could be ready to be activated by June 1. . . . Infielder Dick Schofield rejoined the club Friday, but is not going to be activated from the disabled list right away. He left the team to attend to personal matters April 20. . . . Matt Keough, the Angels’ advance scout, was in the Kingdome when the 5.4 earthquake hit Seattle Thursday night.