BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Rodgers Won’t Return Before Aug. 28

Angel Manager Buck Rodgers, still moving tentatively on his weakened legs after beginning to walk without crutches Monday, has postponed his return to the team until Aug. 28.

“It’s going to take a little longer,” said Rodgers, who sustained multiple injuries in the Angels’ May 21 bus accident. “I’ve been on my back for 2 1/2 months. There’s still some atrophy there.

“(My left knee) is coming along fine. It’s healed up. It’s just a matter of taking a little more time.”

Rodgers, hospitalized for 10 days after undergoing surgery on his left knee and right elbow, once hoped to return right after the All-Star break but did not get medical clearance. Team orthopedist Lewis Yocum told Rodgers on Monday he could return to managing as soon as he is confident on his feet.

Tim Fortugno’s performance in four starts as Jim Abbott’s replacement has earned Fortugno a job in the bullpen.

Fortugno, 30, a left-handed rookie, was 1-1 with a 3.65 earned-run average in four starts, including a three-hit shutout of Detroit during which he struck out 12. He has 24 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings, and opponents are batting .186 against him. . . . Angel catcher Greg Myers’ injury was diagnosed as a sprained right wrist by the Kansas City Royals’ hand and wrist specialist, Dr. Charlie Rhoades. X-rays were negative, and Myers is considered day to day. Myers, who started four of six games after being acquired from Toronto last week, injured the wrist swinging in the second inning Wednesday and left the game in the seventh.