Matthews hopes he won’t sit

This weekend could be the beginning of the end of regular playing time for Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., now that Vladimir Guerrero is on the brink of returning from a five-week absence caused by a torn chest muscle.

Not that Matthews has given up hope of being an everyday player.

Asked Friday whether he had an idea how his playing time would shake out once Guerrero returned from the disabled list, Matthews said, “Yeah. Play every day and play about 130 games the rest of the season. That’s how I’d like to see it play out.”

That seems unlikely with the Angels preparing to add one of the most dynamic hitters in baseball to their lineup.

Even though Guerrero will be relegated to designated hitter for the foreseeable future, there will be one fewer spot to rotate outfielders Torii Hunter, Bobby Abreu, Juan Rivera and Matthews.

Matthews has been a lineup staple in Guerrero’s absence, starting 23 of 41 games, including the opener of the Freeway Series on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. He entered the game hitting .278 with one home run and 13 runs batted in.

“He’s worked very hard to keep his skills where they need to be so when this opportunity came up he could play as well as he has,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

Could Matthews be productive while playing sporadically?

“Some players are going to be able to handle not playing for a week or eight days and still be able to go out there and compete and do some things, and some players have a tough time with it,” Scioscia said.

“Gary needs enough playing time to stay sharp, and that’s the balance you try to get.”

It’s a balancing act Matthews would rather not have to perform.

“They know how I feel about playing time, and that hasn’t changed,” Matthews said.

Morales going deeper

First baseman Kendry Morales entered Friday’s game with five homers in 69 at-bats this month -- as many homers as he hit during a season in limited playing time with the Angels before this year.

Hitting coach Mickey Hatcher said Morales’ power surge is largely a function of increased playing time.

“He’s a guy that we’ve just got to let play and we’ll see where it takes him,” Hatcher said.

“Right now we’re all real happy with the way his plate appearances have been.”

Unlike some players, Morales has not succeeded as a result of being more relaxed, Hatcher said.

“He’s always relaxed. He’s like Guerrero,” Hatcher said. “You don’t know if a guy’s good or bad who he’s facing at the plate. He’s just getting in there and wants to hit them.”

Short hops

Kelvim Escobar sparkled in the first game of his minor league rehabilitation assignment, giving up one hit and one unearned run in 4 2/3 innings for Class A Rancho Cucamonga. Escobar walked one and struck out four, with his fastball velocity between 91 and 95 mph. He threw 59 pitches. . . . Guerrero, also appearing in his first rehab game, drove in the Quakes’ first run with a double. He flied out and struck out in his other at-bats. . . . --

ben.bolch@latimes.com