Angels get speedy infielder Figgins back, lose Aybar to DL

TORONTO -- The Los Angeles Angels activated infielder Chone Figgins off the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, but saw infielder Erick Aybar land on the 15-day DL with a dislocated right pinky that is expected to sideline him for the next four weeks.

Figgins has not played since injuring his hamstring sliding into home in a May 3 game against Baltimore. He felt good after working out Tuesday and was back in the lineup Wednesday as Los Angeles' third baseman and leadoff hitter.

"We hope Figgy brings that spark that he always brings," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He was playing very well defensively before he went down. Hopefully he'll hit the ground running and keep going."

The switch-hitting Figgins was batting .306 with no homers and seven RBI at the time of his injury and has hit safely in 27 of 32 games this season.

Aybar injured his hand in the first inning of Tuesday's game when he dove for a ground ball off the bat of Alex Rios, catching his pinky on the ground and coming up clutching his fingers in pain.

Aybar visited a hand specialist Wednesday, who confirmed no surgery will be required. Still, Scioscia expects Aybar to miss four weeks while the finger heals.

"That's a tough break for that kid and we'll have to absorb it and move on," Scioscia said.

Aybar is batting .270 with one home run and 16 RBI in 43 games.

Maicer Izturis will get the bulk of the work at shortstop in Aybar's absence, with Sean Rodriguez backing him up.

"We have some options," Scioscia said. "Figgy's versatility, we might have to tap into it. He's played second before. We're going to want him to get settled at third base, obviously, but he has the option of playing second and we have (Robb Quinlan) who can play third and some other looks we can give on some days."

Infielder Howie Kendrick, out since April 13 with a strained left hamstring, is doing agility drills but has not been able to run yet, Scioscia said.

Right-hander Kelvim Escobar (torn labrum) has been playing catch and is expected throw in the outfield when the Angels return home next Monday, while right-hander Dustin Moseley (right forearm tightness) is scheduled to make his second rehab appearance for Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.