Erick Aybar saga takes another turn ... for the better

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Two days ago, it appeared Erick Aybar, sidelined since June 15 because of cartilage damage in his left knee, was headed for the disabled list after the Angels shortstop took a cortisone injection in the knee and was shut down.

Thursday, it appeared Aybar was on the verge of returning after he went through a rigorous pregame workout, running wind sprints at full speed, taking batting practice, fielding grounders hit at him and to his sides, and throwing.

‘He did great,’ Manager Mike Scioscia said of Aybar. ‘I think he’ll be available this weekend. Whether it’s as a guy who comes off the bench or starts, we’ll see. But as active as he was today, I think it looks good.’

Aybar’s last hurdle will be to run the bases at full speed Friday.

‘I’m ready; I’m not in any pain,’ said Aybar, the leadoff batter who is hitting .272 with 14 doubles, 41 runs and 11 stolen bases. ‘The shot helped. Maybe I’ll play [Friday].’

--Mike DiGiovanna