Erstad Could Be Back in the Lineup Tonight

Darin Erstad could start in center field for the Angels tonight, no matter how poor the statistics from his minor league rehabilitation assignment.

Erstad is batting .091 in eight games, with three hits -- all singles -- in 33 at-bats.

Manager Mike Scioscia said there was “definitely a chance” Erstad would be activated today. According to reports from Salt Lake Manager Brian Harper, Scioscia said, Erstad is running well, playing superior defense and displaying good bat speed.

And those statistics?

“I don’t think that’s a gauge,” Scioscia said. “I don’t think it’s a gauge to say, hey, a guy is ready because he’s gone 10 for 20 in his rehab. You’re evaluating, but you’re evaluating things besides statistics at this juncture.”

Erstad has not played for the Angels since April 30 because of irritation in his right ankle.

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Second baseman Howie Kendrick is batting .407 at Salt Lake, and Harper last week described him this way to the Salt Lake Tribune: “Tony Gwynn with more power.”

So can Kendrick hit so well that he simply forces the Angels to promote him and play him ahead of Adam Kennedy?

“That’s a tough call right now,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. “Adam is here, and he is playing very well for us, offensively and defensively.”

Stoneman noted that Kendrick is also playing third base at Salt Lake. The Angels are platooning Dallas McPherson and Robb Quinlan at third base, although Chone Figgins could return there when Erstad is activated.

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Angels executives and coaches have not yet been asked to meet with investigators conducting baseball’s steroid probe, Stoneman said, but he expects such requests are forthcoming.

“We’re prepared to cooperate fully,” Stoneman said. “I don’t know of anybody who’s with our organization that doesn’t want to get the whole steroids thing behind us.”

Joe Maddon, who spent 31 years in the Angels organization before the Tampa Bay Devil Rays hired him last fall as manager, is one of four Tampa Bay officials asked to meet with investigators, the St. Petersburg Times reported Sunday.

Investigators have requested interviews with coaches and executives from all 30 teams, an official with the probe told the Kansas City Star on Friday.

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Shortstop Orlando Cabrera has reached base in 41 straight games. Ted Williams set the record by reaching base in 84 straight games.