Erstad appears to have options, though Angels may not be one of them

Though his 10 1/2 -year run with the Angels might be over, it appears Darin Erstad’s baseball career – thought to be in jeopardy last season because of a chronic right ankle injury – will continue.

In fact, Erstad feels so good about his recovery from October surgery to shave down a bone spur and remove scar tissue in the ankle that he is confident he could play center field on a regular basis after being relegated to first base last September.

“I believe in my heart I can do that,” Erstad, a free agent, said of a potential return to center. “I’m cautiously optimistic. There’s still some stuff I need to do to get back to full strength, but I’m happy with the way it’s going. It’s nice to know this isn’t a career-threatening thing.”

Erstad, limited to 40 games last season, began running on flat ground three weeks ago and has experienced no setbacks. He will begin taking batting practice Monday and has been cleared to resume all baseball activities.

Erstad said six teams have expressed serious interest in signing him, either as a left fielder, center fielder or utility player. Though he declined to name the teams, the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners are believed to be among them.

Erstad, 32, didn’t rule out a return to the Angels, who probably would be interested in signing him to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

But with the recent signing of Shea Hillenbrand creating a surplus at first – Hillenbrand, Casey Kotchman, Robb Quinlan, Kendry Morales and Dallas McPherson can play the position – and Gary Matthews Jr., Garret Anderson and Vladimir Guerrero entrenched in the outfield, Erstad’s options in Anaheim appear limited.

“Right now, I need to prove I can play every day again,” said Erstad, who had one of the best all-around seasons in franchise history in 2000, batting .355 with 25 home runs, 100 runs batted in, 121 runs and 240 hits. “I’ve got to find at-bats, and reestablish myself as a player.”

 mike.digiovanna@latimes.com