BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Lovullo Shows Value as a Starter

Torey Lovullo was a longshot to make the Angels out of spring training, and even after making the opening-day roster, found himself on the bubble every time a player move was considered.

How times have changed.

Lovullo, who has thrived filling in during the Angels’ rash of infield injuries, might be playing himself into a starting job in 1994.

Lovullo, who has started 10 consecutive games, entered Friday’s game against Minnesota with a .291 batting average, 11 doubles, three homers and 17 runs batted in.

“He’s been a big asset to this ballclub,” Angel Manager Buck Rodgers said. “Really, he’s been invaluable.”

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The Angels have decided to skip left-handed starter Hilly Hathaway’s turn in the rotation because of their off-day Monday. . . . Rookie first baseman J.T. Snow, who says that his left quadriceps feels as if “there’s a little man hammering his ice pick inside me,” will be kept out of the lineup until Tuesday. . . . Rodgers on reliever Ken Patterson, who continually gets out of jams created by other pitchers before starting his own: “I think he should start thinking about self-preservation, and being selfish. He must have an (earned-run average) of about 1.00 when he comes in the middle of innings, but an 8.50 when he starts an inning. But when you look at my bullpen, I’ve got four guys down there that have the same tendencies.”