Davis’ Next Hit to Be Big for Team

The next hit for Chili Davis will be the 2,000th of his career, a significant personal milestone to be sure. It’s also worth celebrating as far as Angel history is concerned, according to General Manager Bill Bavasi.

“Not all of his hits came in a California Angels uniform, but a lot of important ones were,” Bavasi said. “He’s not a boisterous leader, but he got Tim Salmon off to a tremendous start in his career. J.T. Snow too. He’s been a real good influence in the lineup. He’s been very important for the young guys--Garret Anderson, Jimmy Edmonds, J.T. Snow.

“There are an awful lot of young guys who respect him. It’s an important part of our history to have a guy get 2,000 hits in our uniform. It gives a sense of history for our young guys.

“It’s like, ‘Wow, there’s somebody who got 2,000 hits and I played with him.’ ”

Davis, who was not in Manager Marcel Lachemann’s starting lineup Sunday, entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and walked. He also struck out with Gary DiSarcina at third base in the ninth.

*

The Angels ran more than usual during the four-game series against the Brewers, and the results were mixed. They stole three bases, bringing their season total to 22--still the fewest in the American League.

But they also had runners caught stealing three times and picked off once.

“The circumstances dictated [that the Angels could run against the Brewers],” Lachemann said. “We were running in certain counts. We stole more bases [and getting caught] comes with the territory.”

*

Reliever Brad Pennington made his first appearance since being activated from the disabled list Saturday, giving up one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in one inning.

*

After hitting home runs in a season-high 13 consecutive games, the Angels have gone back-to-back games without one. . . . Infielder Damion Easley, who did not play in the four-game series against Milwaukee, figures to play today because of the doubleheader. He has been an infrequent starter because of the solid play of Randy Velarde. . . . With Gary DiSarcina signed to a long-term deal last week, Bavasi hopes to soon sign right fielder Anderson to a multiyear deal. . . . The Angels have won six of their past eight road games.