BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Marshall Says All He Needs Is a Chance

Mike Marshall took batting practice with the Angels Tuesday and pronounced himself “ready to go” whenever he’s signed to a major league contract. He will probably be added to the roster when the Angels return to Anaheim Stadium for a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners.

“I look at this as a fresh start,” said Marshall, who signed a minor league contract Friday after being released by the Boston Red Sox. “I feel like I’m healthy and I’m in good shape. . . . I’m only 31. They have a couple of players here who are 40 and are playing great baseball. I know what I can do. It’s just a matter of getting a chance.”

Marshall hopes for a chance to play every day--and a contract for next season. But he’s willing to take things gradually, starting as the backup for first baseman Wally Joyner and designated hitter Dave Parker.

“I understand that, especially with the team doing well, I have to kind of prove myself all over,” Marshall said. “I hope somewhere along the line I can work my way back to being an everyday player, but that’s down the line, maybe next year.”

Marshall was summoned from Class-A Palm Springs after Luis Polonia hyperextended his left shoulder Saturday. Polonia threw for the first time since the injury Tuesday, and said the shoulder felt much better.

Manager Doug Rader celebrated his birthday Tuesday with a cake and a congratulatory message on the Cleveland Stadium scoreboard. The message read, “Happy 60th birthday to the rooster, Doug Rader.” Rader, who turned 47, laughed heartily. . . . The Angels’ three-game winning streak is their longest since they won three July 1-3.