BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Davis Put on DL Very Reluctantly

The Angels Friday will begin a 10-game trip against their American League West rivals without the services of their top hitter, Chili Davis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a strained left hamstring. Catcher Greg Myers was activated off the DL to fill Davis’ roster spot.

“It’s going to be tough sitting there watching, not being able to do anything,” said Davis, who ranks second in the league in batting (.359) and third in on-base percentage (.464). “I’m not going to deny the fact I’m a big part of the lineup, but if this lineup depends solely on me being in it, then it’s not a good lineup.”

Davis, injured in Monday night’s game against the Royals, said he felt better Wednesday and was walking without a limp. He didn’t want to go on the DL but ultimately agreed with the team’s decision, realizing a strained hamstring can be the most temperamental of injuries.

Manager Marcel Lachemann said he will likely turn the DH spot into a platoon position, with the left-handed Myers and Jorge Fabregas there when they’re not catching and right-handed Rex Hudler and Carlos Martinez filling in. He’ll also use the DH to give regulars such as Tim Salmon and Tony Phillips a day off in the field.

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Rob Deer, a nine-year major league veteran playing for the Angels’ triple-A team at Vancouver, was released this week. Deer hit .288 with four home runs and 20 RBIs in 25 games but struck out 32 times in 80 at-bats.

Center fielder Jim Edmonds extended his hitting streak to 17 Wednesday night with a fourth-inning single. It’s the longest current streak in the majors. . . . Tony Phillips had already walked more times through Tuesday’s game (44) than all Angel leadoff hitters last season (43).