BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Boskie to Keep Spot in the Rotation

Manager Marcel Lachemann decided on his starter for Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics. Instead of inserting Brian Anderson or Mike Harkey into the spot of struggling right-hander Shawn Boskie, Lachemann said he will stick with Boskie.

Boskie is 1-5 with a 7.48 earned-run average in six starts since coming off the disabled list Sept. 1. He lasted only 2 2/3 innings in his last outing, a 10-2 loss to Seattle Tuesday.

Lachemann said he would not hesitate to call on the bullpen the minute Boskie gets into trouble. He also said he prefers a right-hander face Oakland’s predominantly right-handed hitting lineup.

Anderson, a left-hander, hasn’t started since Sept. 5, and Harkey, a right-hander, hasn’t started since Aug. 27. Each went to the bullpen when the Angels went to a four-man rotation Sept. 8.

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Rex Hudler started in place of Damion Easley at second base for the second consecutive game. There’s little question Easley is a superior fielder, but Lachemann liked the excitement Hudler added to the club during its 2-0 victory over Seattle Wednesday.

“He played very well last night, providing a lot of enthusiasm and pick-me-up, and that’s Rex’s thing,” Lachemann said.

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Splitting two games in the playoff atmosphere of Seattle’s Kingdome did wonders for the Angels’ psyche, according to Lachemann. But when the Angels returned to half-empty Anaheim Stadium Thursday, they were met with their fans’ customary lukewarm reception.

“Obviously, it was a little different situation up there,” Lachemann said. “Everybody there is caught up in the Mariners’ roll. They’re also trying to get people into the ballpark to save the team.”

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Don Long, manager at triple-A Vancouver, filled in for Joe Maddon as first base coach for the second consecutive game. Maddon has been working with Angel hitters while Rod Carew has been by the side of his daughter, Michelle, who has leukemia.