BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Davis to Give Leg a Running Test

Designated hitter Chili Davis will give his strained left hamstring a test today, when he tries running wind sprints for the first time since injuring his leg June 19.

He did some easy jogging on a treadmill Tuesday and said, “It feels better. Every day it feels better. I’m making good progress.”

Davis is eligible to return from the disabled list five days before the All-Star game, but he hopes to be fit enough to play before.

“My goal is to hopefully get to where I don’t feel any risk of [further] injury before I come off the DL,” said Davis, batting a team-leading .359. “If I feel I’m ready to go, if the leg is ready to go, I’ll be the first one to say, ‘Get me off the DL.’ ”

General Manager Bill Bavasi said he believes Davis might not be ready to return until after the All-Star break. Manager Marcel Lachemann said the club is determined to let the injury heal, avoiding a persistent problem that could sideline Davis again later this season.

“It could be a real lingering thing,” Lachemann said. “That was the reason we put him on the disabled list. It was touch and go whether or not he was going to be out [the full] 15 days or not.”

Davis said he has the last word on his return.

“Basically, they have to go on what I say, how I feel,” he said.

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Catcher Greg Myers has filled in capably for Davis as the Angel designated hitter, going five for 17 on the trip. He said he has been motivated by two thoughts.

First, he said: “I know I can’t do what [Davis] does, so I’m not going to try. It’s a big loss playing without him right now.”

Second, he said: “When you’re catching, you’re in on every play. Basically, I don’t have to think about defense at all as the DH. It takes the pressure off.”

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A billboard on top of the right-field stands at The Ballpark in Arlington reads: Hit it here and win a free suit. It’s about 500 feet from home plate to the billboard.

Asked if he thought it was possible to hit the sign, Lachemann said, “If somebody does, that suit better come with a free cape.”