BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Davis Improves; Boskie Will Miss Start

The All-Star break did wonders for designated hitter Chili Davis’ strained left hamstring but has left the Angels wondering about pitcher Shawn Boskie’s right arm.

Boskie, whose elbow stiffened slightly during his last start July 5, experienced more discomfort Wednesday when he tried to throw in Arizona. His problem was diagnosed Thursday as an inflamed elbow, and he will miss tonight’s start against the Tigers. He will be replaced by right-hander Russ Springer.

“It could run the gamut from one missed start to the disabled list,” Manager Marcel Lachemann said.

“If he’s out for a while, Springer would have to step up, because he’s the only one in the bullpen capable of starting. If he doesn’t, we would have to make some kind of move.”

Davis, meanwhile, jogged briskly and completed his daily therapy with no discomfort.

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When the Angels selected Nebraska outfielder Darin Erstad with the No. 1 pick in the June 1 draft, they were confident of signing him in a week or two. Six weeks later, Erstad remains at his North Dakota home, unsigned.

“It’s not going as smoothly as I’d like, but we’re making progress,” Erstad said. “I think we’re getting close.”

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Reliever John Habyan, who joined the Angels after having been acquired in a trade with St. Louis last week, said he knew something was up when several St. Louis reporters approached him.

“It was the first time in a year and a half reporters had talked to me,” Habyan said. “That’s how you know a middle reliever is getting traded.”

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Second baseman Damion Easley is still experiencing irritation in his right wrist, which he sprained June 3, and did not start Thursday night. . . . The Tigers have flip-flopped two pitchers in their rotation for the Angel series, starting rookie Felipe Lira tonight and scheduling David Wells for Saturday.