BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Luckily, Chili Didn’t Need to Warm Up

Manager Buck Rodgers saw catcher Greg Myers lying in a heap at home plate, and the first thought to come to mind was designated hitter Chili Davis.

Davis, who last caught a game 14 years ago, had been the Angels’ emergency catcher the last three games. Chris Turner, the only other catcher on the roster, was in Kentucky attending the funeral of his 11-year-old nephew.

“The first thing I said was, ‘Is Turner back?’ ” Rodgers yelled.

Turner had actually arrived in the seventh inning of Friday night’s game, but instead of being on the bench Saturday, he was helping out in the bullpen.

Rodgers quickly relaxed when he was notified of Turner’s presence, but according to Rodgers, someone else sure got the shakes.

“The guy who really got nervous was Chili Davis,” Rodgers said. “He came down (the bench) sweating.”

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Reliever Ken Patterson, who pitched all of last season for the Angels before leaving for Cincinnati as a free agent, rejoins the club today to replace Mike Butcher.

He was released March 27 by the Cincinnati Reds despite having a guaranteed $400,000 contract. He signed a minor league contract with Vancouver and is being summoned despite a 9.53 ERA in three games. Rodgers said he simply preferred having another left-hander in the bullpen.

Butcher, who will be optioned to Vancouver, had a 16.62 ERA in six games this season.

“Butcher knew he needed help,” Rodgers said. “I don’t expect this to be a long drawn-out affair, but we need to get his head straight.”

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There was a moment of silence for former President Richard Nixon before Saturday’s game, enabling the Angel organization to remember their times with Nixon.

The entire team was invited to Nixon’s San Clemente home after the 1979 season, former general manager Mike Port remembered Saturday. And Rodgers was Nixon’s guest during a banquet in 1992 at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. Rodgers was even introduced to the audience by Nixon.

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Left fielder Dwight Smith, playing his first game at Fenway Park, spent the afternoon wishing they would tear the place down. Smith misplayed three balls in the outfield and was charged with one error. “The ghosts of Fenway got him today,” Rodgers said. “It’s not unusual for guys to play poorly in Fenway their first time.” . . . Angel reliever Joe Grahe, who had been suffering from a slightly pulled muscle in his left side, pitched for the first time in six days. He pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning.