Easley Happy to Be Playing

Infielder Damion Easley’s right shoulder feels great and he’s back in the majors--that’s what mattered most to him Sunday.

It’s possible he could be traded soon, perhaps with reliever Lee Smith, as the Angels try to bolster their starting rotation. He also could be a starting infielder again for the Angels. Or he could stay in his current role as a utility player.

“I’m taking this year as it comes,” said Easley, who played for the first time Saturday after being activated from the disabled list Friday. “So many things are happening now that can affect the future, so I don’t want to think ahead.”

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The Angels are off today, then begin an eight-game trip to Boston, New York and Baltimore. Last year, their 4-16 record against the Red Sox, Yankees and Orioles in August and September produced the start of a slide that cost them the American League West title.