Tavares Says He Will Deal Sensibly

Angel President Tony Tavares isn’t as angry with the club’s play as he was several weeks ago.

But he said he wasn’t about to make knee-jerk decisions because he was upset. That is not his style.

“As soon as you put on the hat of desperation you start making mistakes,” Tavares said. “I don’t mind the team playing with a sense of desperation. If you make a trade or a move based on emotions you’re likely to make a mistake. It’s OK to get emotional, but you have to act sensibly.”

Tavares said the Angels continue to work on “several deals,” but would not elaborate. He believes the club can rejoin the American League West playoff race and the best way is to acquire more pitching.

“Standing pat isn’t the thing to do,” he said.

Tavares also continues to support Manager Marcel Lachemann.

“Marcel’s been victimized by inconsistency,” Tavares said. “You can’t pitch the way we have pitched. You can’t leave men on base the way we have. You can’t do those things and still expect to contend.”

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It’s possible Mark Langston will be activated from the disabled list to start against the Milwaukee Brewers Saturday. Langston, sidelined by nerve irritation in his right calf, threw off the bullpen mound for the first time since going on the disabled list July 15.

Catcher Don Slaught also could be activated from the disabled list Saturday. Slaught, sidelined by back spasms, threw the ball from a squatting position for the first time since going on the DL July 16.

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Rex Hudler started in place of Randy Velarde at second base. Velarde injured the tip of his left index finger while opening a window at home Sunday night.

Velarde played Monday, but with Wednesday’s off day Lachemann wanted to give him an extra day of rest.

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Shortstop Gary DiSarcina batted second for the fifth consecutive game and has apparently left his customary No. 9 spot for good.

“I think it’s going to make him a better hitter in the long run,” Lachemann said. “I’d like to stick with it unless it absolutely falls apart. I think it’s better for him and for the ballclub.”

DiSarcina batted .341 (15 for 44) in the 12 games before Tuesday.

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Brandon Steele, a right-handed pitcher from Huntington Beach High, said Tuesday he has signed with the Angels.

Steele was a fourth-round draft pick. He was 5-7 at Huntington Beach last season. He will be sent to Mesa, the Angels’ rookie league team, or Class-A Lake Elsinore.