BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : After MRI, Grahe Remains Day to Day

Closer Joe Grahe, who has not pitched since last Saturday because of a stiff neck, underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam Friday. Grahe is listed as day to day pending Dr. Lewis Yocum’s examination of the test on Sunday.

“It was precautionary because he’s had so many problems with it,” Manager Buck Rodgers said. “This time, he’s gone more than a week with (pain).”

Without Grahe, the Angels have turned the closing duties over to Julio Valera and Steve Frey. And with the exception of Valera’s four-run blowup in Cleveland’s 5-4 come-from-behind victory Monday, Rodgers has been pleased with the bullpen.

“There has to be a certain break-in period,” he said. “The break-in period has been pretty good except for Cleveland the other day.”

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Oakland outfielder Rickey Henderson missed his fourth consecutive start because of a bruised left shoulder suffered when he crashed into the left-field wall at Yankee Stadium on Monday. “I know he’s feeling a lot better,” Manager Tony La Russa said. . . . La Russa on the Angels: “They have a lot of good, talented players who are enthusiastic. And they have an experienced pitching staff and that’s where you need experience. That’s a winning combination.”