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Angels’ Aybar getting MRI on knee

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The Angels are keeping their fingers crossed that shortstop Erick Aybar did not seriously injure his left knee when Casey McGehee of the Milwaukee Brewers slid into him on Tuesday. The Angels sent Aybar for an MRI examination on Wednesday, in the hope that his recovery time might be measured in days instead of weeks.

‘We’re optimistic he’ll be back,’ Manager Mike Scioscia said. ‘The time frame will be determined by the results of the exam. Hopefully, it will be something minor, and we’ll talk about when we can get him back in the lineup.’

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Maicer Izturis started at shortstop Wednesday, although his injury history might make him an unlikely long-term replacement. The Angels recalled Brandon Wood from triple-A Salt Lake Wednesday and started him at third base, but Scioscia pointed out Wood also can play shortstop.

With catcher Jeff Mathis expected to be activated Friday, the Angels can play Mike Napoli at first base and rotate shortstop and third base among Izturis, Wood and Kevin Frandsen.

Scioscia also reiterated there was nothing dirty in the slide. Frandsen’s wide throw forced Aybar to lunge for the ball with his right leg while trying to keep his left leg on the base.

‘That was an awkward throw that put Erick in a compromising position,’ Scioscia said. ‘It was more our own issue than any kind of a slide.’

-- Bill Shaikin

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