FREEWAY SERIES REPORT

Rod Carew, Angel hitting instructor, was attacked Monday night in Arizona, Manager Terry Collins said Friday. Carew’s injuries were still visible, as he suffered a cut lip and lacerations around his right eye after being jumped at a gas station by three men, who tried to steal Carew’s sports utility vehicle, according to Collins.

Carew’s only comment on the incident was that he felt fine.

“It would have been a lot worse, but a couple guys came out of the store to help Rod and the three guys took off,” Collins said.

*

The Angels, to a man, were awed by the renovated Anaheim Stadium, now called Edison International Field.

“If you can’t get excited about playing in this stadium, you don’t have a pulse,” shortstop Gary DiSarcina said.

DiSarcina also said the infield, which he criticized two seasons ago, was in great shape.

Outfielder Tim Salmon’s description of the stadium was simple: “It’s plush.”

Salmon may have the toughest adjustment, as he will contend with the new 18-foot wall in right field. Salmon did a little experimenting with caroms during a workouts.

“It’s not that bad,” he said. “It plays the same as Seattle and Baltimore.”

*

Angel pitcher William VanLandingham said he is in limbo.

“I don’t think they are going to use me out of the bullpen,” said VanLandingham, a 27-year-old right-hander.

And the starting rotation is set, barring injuries, with Ken Hill, Chuck Finley, Jason Dickson, Allen Watson and Jack McDowell.

Under the terms of his contract, VanLandingham would have to approve being sent to the minor leagues. He has already OK’d the move, but will have to clear waivers first.

The possibility remains that the Angels could work out a deal. VanLandingham’s performance this spring might attract some interest. He is 1-0 with a 3.18 earned-run average in 17 innings.

“I can’t tell you what they are going to do,” VanLandingham said. “I’m just going to hang out and wait for something to happen.”

*

Angel second baseman Randy Velarde, on the 15-day disabled list while recovering from an injured elbow, probably will resume taking batting practice this weekend. The Angels are hoping Velarde will return by late April.

*

Antonio Osuna, expected to be the Dodgers closer, hasn’t been overpowering in the role this spring. He has only one strikeout in 10 1/3 innings.

“I’m not worried about that,” Osuna said. “I’ve been trying to make the best use of my pitches. I’ve been trying to be efficient. Strikeouts don’t matter. What matters is getting outs.”

Osuna has given up 10 hits and walked five.

TONIGHT

Angels at Dodgers

* 7

Site--Dodger Stadium.

Radio--KRLA 1110, AM 1150.

Update--Ken Hill, who starts for the Angels, was given the contract of a No. 1 starter and has pitched like one this spring. He has given up seven earned runs and 22 hits in 27 innings. Dodger starter Hideo Nomo, meanwhile, has been roughed up all spring. He has an 8.25 ERA and has walked nine batters in 12 innings.