Escobar to take the next step

Looks like Kelvim Escobar is on schedule to pitch a two-inning simulated game Tuesday against live hitters. The right-hander has been on the disabled list all season with a torn right labrum.

It seems obvious that if Escobar can come back and contribute this season, it would be out of the bullpen where he was a huge help in 2005. But nobody with the Angels is willing to say that they are aiming Escobar toward a bullpen spot.

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Angels, Mets: We're no strangers

The Angels and Mets kick off a three-game interleague series at Angel Stadium tonight. Here are some ties between the organizations:

On Dec. 10, 1971, these two teams completed one of the more significant trades in each organization’s history…The Angels acquired Nolan Ryan, Don Rose, Leroy Stanton and Francisco Estrada from the Mets in exchange for Jim Fregosi….

Angels’ Manager Mike Scioscia hit the most memorable home run of his career at Shea Stadium, a two-run game-tying shot off Dwight Gooden in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the 1988 NLCS and a turning point in the series…The Dodgers would win the game in 12 innings and tie the series at two wins apiece.

Mets’ Coach Sandy Alomar, Sr. was an All-Star second baseman with the Angels in 1970 and still holds the club record for consecutive games played with 648 from 1969-73…

Vladimir Guerrero hit for the cycle against the Mets at Olympic Stadium on Sept. 14, 2003, completing the effort with a HR in the 7th inning.

Angels’ Special Assistant Bill Stoneman threw his second career no-hitter vs. the Mets as a member of the Expos on Oct. 2, 1972 at Jarry Park (7-0 score)…

These two teams were one strike away from meeting in the 1986 World Series…With the Angels holding a 3-1 series lead in the ALCS vs. Boston, the Halos dropped the last three games of the series…In Game 5, the Angels had a 5-4 lead with two outs and two strikes on Dave Henderson in the 9th inning before his two-run home run put the Sox up 6-5…The Sox won the game 7-6 in 11 innings…The Mets beat the Astros in the 1986 NLCS in six games…

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Vlad, Izturis good signs for Angels offense

With a home run today against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, all Vladimir Guerrero has done this series is hit a homer the last two games after getting four hits in the series opener. Maicer Izturis also has two hits, including the go-ahead RBI in the seventh inning and has now hit in 11 consecutive games and 16 of his last 18.

After a slow start, Guerrero is 11-for-24 this month (.458).

Gary Matthews Jr. also is heating up. He missed Tuesday’s game with what appears to have been food poisioning. But he hit a home run Wednesday and has a hit in his last eight games.

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Expect Figgins to return Friday

Chone Figgins’ rehab from a bum hamstring appears to be nearing an end. Manager Mike Scioscia said Figgins will be evaluated after tonight’s rehab game. In Scioscia-speak, that typically means the player will have one last evaluation before he is placed back on the active roster.

Shortstop Erick Aybar, out with a dislocated right pinky finger, is also nearing a return. He has already started hitting in the batting cage. When Aybar returns the Angels will have their regular infield for the first time since April 18 when Howie Kendrick went on the DL with his own hamstring issue.

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