Erstad Is a Hit in the Pinch

The Angels have had a nice bat off the bench the past two games.

It belongs to Darin Erstad.

Left out of the starting lineup for consecutive games because of what was described as fatigue in his right leg related to a chronic alignment problem, Erstad delivered run-scoring hits as a pinch-hitter both nights.

He drove in the tying run in the 11th inning of the Angels’ 12-inning victory Tuesday.

On Wednesday, he came to the plate in the sixth with two on and two out and doubled to left to give the Angels a 5-4 lead, their first of the game.

His career average as a pinch-hitter: .444 (eight for 18.)

Erstad’s leg problem involves his hips and back and is resolved by therapy, Manager Mike Scioscia said.

“They’re always checking his alignment,” Scioscia said. “He’s a guy who obviously plays very hard and plays every day. They have to keep his back in line.”

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Right fielder Tim Salmon wasn’t in the lineup for the fourth consecutive game since being hit by a pitch on his left hand Saturday.

“It’s moving in the right direction,” Salmon said, adding that he’ll probably test his hand in batting practice Friday after today’s off day before making a decision about whether to play Friday or wait until later in the weekend series against Cleveland.

Salmon, who sat out 62 games in 1999 because of a wrist injury, at first had been alarmed because of a similar sensation.

“The [lack of] strength is familiar, almost like when I hurt my wrist,” he said. “The difference here is inflammation. Time will take care of that. Before it was torn ligaments. We’re dealing with two different things.”

Salmon was trying to stay in shape and look for a positive.

“Hey, maybe this is a blessing. You’re getting a break after a long stretch.”

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During the game, the Angels presented retiring Hall of Fame Detroit broadcaster Ernie Harwell with an Angel jersey with his name on the back and the number 55--the number of seasons Harwell has called major league games.

Harwell, noting he has called Angel games as long as they have existed, thanked fans for their “warmth and hospitality,” and wished the team success.

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The Molina brothers appeared in the same game Tuesday for the first time this season when Jose Molina entered the game at catcher in the 10th inning.

He replaced Bengie Molina behind the plate after Salmon ran for Bengie in the ninth.

The brothers also played in the same game last season, and are only the second siblings to appear at catcher on the same major league team in the same season. It had been a while: The others, Amos and Lave Cross, played for the Louisville Kernals in 1887.

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Left-handed reliever Dennis Cook is scheduled to throw off the mound Friday as he takes the next step in his recovery from a torn rotator cuff. A rehabilitation assignment would be the next major step as he seeks to return to the active roster by Sept. 1.... Outfielder Johnny Raburn of Class-A Rancho Cucamonga was transferred to Milwaukee’s single-A affiliate High Desert as a player to be named in the Alex Ochoa trade.... Angel outfielder Julio Ramirez, on the disabled list since mid-June because of a strained left calf, will begin a rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Salt Lake City today.

Robyn Norwood