BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Easley’s Athleticism Impresses Rodgers

Manager Buck Rodgers continues to be impressed with the play of second baseman Damion Easley, calling him the best athlete in the Angels’ infield.

“I think he could play any position,” Rodgers said. “It’s where you need him most.”

Easley has played the outfield, shortstop, third base and second this season.

“I think he’s kind of feeling his way (at second),” Rodgers said. “He’s getting comfortable. He’s not natural yet. It’s going to take him all year to get the intricate parts down pat.”

*

Kansas City shortstop Curtis Wilkerson had to be helped off the field during the seventh inning after tumbling over center fielder Brian McRae while catching Tim Salmon’s pop fly. Wilkerson was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange for X-rays of his left ankle, which showed a break. Wilkerson is expected to be out at least eight weeks. McRae was not injured. . . . Kansas City Manager Hal McRae and pitcher David Cone were ejected by home plate umpire Durwood Merrill for arguing a third-inning play at the plate in which Merrill called Felix Jose out when he tried to score on Wally Joyner’s short pop to left field. . . . Umpire Drew Coble, who ejected Rodgers during the second inning of Saturday’s game, visited Rodgers before Sunday’s game. “We talked about some of the things that were said by the both of us in the heat of the argument,” Rodgers said.