BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Wathan Is Only Visiting

His initial bitterness toward the Royals has faded since last May, when they fired him as their manager, but Angel third base coach John Wathan isn’t sure how he will feel when he returns to Royals Stadium today for the first time since his dismissal.

“It’ll be strange,” he said. “I was with Kansas City for 21 years. I’ll have to remember to take a left instead of a right out of the elevator (to the clubhouse). I’m looking forward to seeing my family--they’re still there--and I’m looking forward to winning three games there.”

Wathan, who spent his entire playing career with the Royals, managed them from Aug. 27, 1987, through last May 22. He was 287-270, the third-most successful manager in team history. Seven games under .500 when Wathan was fired, the injury-ravaged Royals needed a late spurt to finish at 82-80 under Hal McRae.

“I had no second-, third- or fourth-place hitters,” Wathan said. “Bo (Jackson) was out and Kevin Seitzer and George Brett were on the DL when I was fired,” Wathan said. “But 13 managers got fired last season and I was one of three fired three days in a row, me and Zim (Don Zimmer of the Cubs) and Frank Robinson (of Baltimore).”

Ranger pitcher Nolan Ryan didn’t throw Thursday after throwing the previous three days. He expects to be able to pitch Wednesday, when he’s eligible for activation from the disabled list. . . . Angel catcher Ron Tingley made his 1992 debut Thursday and Chad Curtis made his second start.