Erstad Suffers Setback in Rehab

The Angels are getting used to life without Darin Erstad a lot sooner than they expected.

There has already been speculation that Erstad, his offensive numbers in decline and his contract expiring after this season, will not be re-signed in 2007.

After suffering another setback Monday in his rehabilitation from a right-ankle injury, it appears Erstad, who has not played since April 30, could miss a big chunk of 2006, as well.

Erstad, who was pulled from Salt Lake’s game in the sixth inning, has returned to Southern California to be examined.

“For Erstad to take himself out of a game, it’s significant,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

Erstad, who went one for 14 in four minor league games, has two bone spurs in the ankle, but the more perplexing issue is an inflamed lower-ankle joint. Several times in recent weeks, Erstad has increased his activity level, only to suffer pain and swelling in the joint.

Surgery, which would sideline Erstad for the rest of the season, still hasn’t been discussed. But if Erstad doesn’t improve, he would probably have to decide whether to have surgery this season, assuring a full recovery for 2007, or wait until after the season, possibly jeopardizing his chances of being ready for 2007.

Though Erstad hit .238 in April, his Gold Glove defense and fiery leadership has been missed.

“He gives us a defensive presence in center field ... and when you factor in the intangibles, it’s a big void,” Scioscia said. “His presence around the clubhouse, even when he’s not playing, is important to us.”

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Scioscia said Bartolo Colon, out since April 16 because of an inflamed shoulder, “felt great” after his second minor league rehab start, in which the Angels ace gave up two runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings for Salt Lake on Tuesday.

“He threw the ball well and maintained his stuff,” Scioscia said. “If he’s ready, we’ll fold him back into the rotation Sunday or Monday.”

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In addition to some sharp pitching and timely hitting Wednesday, the Angels got superb defensive plays from each of their outfielders.

Right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, after a long run to the gap, caught Damon Hollins’ drive before crashing into the wall to save a run in the fifth, Juan Rivera made a diving catch of Ty Wigginton’s bloop to shallow left with a runner on second in the sixth, and Chone Figgins raced in for a diving catch of Jorge Cantu’s sinking liner to start the seventh.

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Shortstop Orlando Cabrera had two hits and a fifth-inning sacrifice fly Wednesday, extending to 38 consecutive games his club record of reaching base via hit, walk or hit batter.... Kendry Morales hit his third homer of the season, a laser over the right-field wall, in the sixth.... Of the 18 outs Jered Weaver recorded Wednesday, 13 were by fly ball and one, Toby Hall’s grounder to second to end the sixth inning -- was by ground ball.... Utility infielder Maicer Izturis, who hit .333 during an eight-game rehab stint at Salt Lake, is expected to be activated Friday, with shortstop Erick Aybar probably returning to triple-A.... The Angels’ infatuation with multi-sport athletes continued on the second day of the draft. After picking UCLA defensive back Jarrod Paige in the seventh round Tuesday, the Angels used their 47th-round pick on Texas Tech pitcher John Plefka, who also plays center for the Red Raiders basketball team.