Spiezio Will Test Free Agency

Facing the possibility of his playing time dwindling over the season’s final weeks, Angel infielder Scott Spiezio said Thursday he planned to file for free agency this fall.

“I’ll definitely look around and see what options there are,” he said.

When the Angels put Troy Glaus on the disabled list July 23, they moved Spiezio from first base to third. Glaus could return next week, although his sore shoulder might restrict him to designated hitter at first. However, when Glaus returns to third base, Spiezio might not return to first, with rookie Robb Quinlan hitting .414.

“If Robb keeps swinging the bat like he has been, he’s certainly making a strong statement to stay in the lineup,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

Spiezio knows he will face a pay cut. He said he wants to win and would consider returning to the Angels.

Designated hitter Brad Fullmer took a pay cut from $3.75 million to $1 million to stay in Anaheim. A similar scenario could await Spiezio, who is making $4.25 million. At something close to $1 million, he would be attractive as a competitor to Quinlan in spring training and an affordable utilityman otherwise.

Then again, at that price, another team might promise him a starting job.

“That’s probably the biggest thing, where I’ll get the most playing time,” he said. “Until I see the other options, I’ll have to wait.”

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The Angels are uncertain how much playing time might be left this season for center fielder Darin Erstad, who aggravated his tender right hamstring Wednesday. Erstad is scheduled to see Dr. John Burgfeld, the Cleveland Browns’ orthopedist, today for an MRI examination and consultation.

Burgfeld saw Erstad in April, in the early stages of his seven-week absence because of the hamstring injury. Since his return, Erstad has hit .224 in 49 games, with two home runs.

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Catcher Bengie Molina could miss a few days after a foul ball slammed into his right thumb. Molina, who said he initially feared a broken bone, said the thumb was dislocated and then put back into place by athletic trainer Ned Bergert. He left the game for X-rays, which were negative.

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The Angels plan to promote right-hander Kevin Gregg from triple-A Salt Lake to start the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, then return him to Salt Lake after the game. He recently set a Salt Lake franchise record by pitching 27 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Gregg, 25, who played in the Oakland organization from 1995 to 2002 before signing with the Angels as a minor league free agent, will make his major league debut.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Cleveland Indians, four games.

Site -- Jacobs Field, Cleveland.

TV -- Channel 9 tonight.

Radio -- KSPN (710) all games, KWKU (1220) tonight, XKAM (950) Saturday and Sunday.

Records -- Angels 53-60, Indians 47-67.

Record vs. Indians -- 5-0.

Tonight, 4 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (8-11, 4.69) vs. Jason Davis (7-8, 4.79).

Saturday, 10 a.m. -- Kevin Gregg (0-0, 0.00) vs. Brian Anderson (8-9, 4.23).

Saturday, 4 p.m. -- Scot Shields (2-2, 2.10) vs. Jason Stanford (0-1, 3.31).

Sunday, 10 a.m. -- John Lackey (7-10, 5.60) vs. C.C. Sabathia (9-7, 3.55).