Angels are encouraged by shortstop Erick Aybar’s progress

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Some good news accompanied the Angels on their first-ever visit to Wrigley Field. Erick Aybar, who suffered meniscus damage to his left knee Monday night in a game against Milwaukee, did agility drills and rode an exercise bike for about 20 minutes before Friday’s game against the Cubs, and the Angels are confident the shortstop won’t need to go on the disabled list.

‘Until he runs the bases 100%, it’s tough to know where he is, but he’s feeling a lot better,’ Manager Mike Scioscia said. ‘We’re feeling very optimistic he won’t go on the DL, but he still has some hurdles to clear.’

Aybar didn’t watch a replay of the Casey McGehee slide into his left knee at second base, but he did watch it once on ESPN and said he was OK with it. McGehee, who reached first when he was hit by a pitch, appeared to slide a little late -- and very hard -- into Aybar in a 10-2 game.

‘I had no problem with it,’ Aybar said. ‘He was trying to take me out and slid hard. I was trying to catch the ball.’

Aybar is the team’s leadoff batter and fastest player, and an injury to the knee could hinder his effectiveness. But the switch-hitter has no plans to change his approach.

‘I’m going to play my game, keep moving,’ Aybar said. ‘The doctor said the ligament is good. I’ll still use my speed. I don’t want to play without it.’

-- Mike DiGiovanna in Chicago