ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ANDERSON EXPECTED TO RETURN.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - The Angels saw some encouraging signs from injured outfielder Garret Anderson, who worked out before Saturday's game and likely will be back in the starting lineup, probably as the designated hitter, Tuesday when the team begins a road trip in Baltimore.

Anderson has missed the past seven games and nine of 11 because of patella tendinitis in his left knee and an irritated lower back.

``Garret swung (soft toss), ran, threw and feels at a level where he's progressing,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``As long as there are no setbacks (today) he should be in the lineup in Baltimore.''

In the nine games without Anderson in the lineup in the past two weeks, Guerrero has been walked intentionally eight times.

--Finley's future? Center fielder Steve Finley was not in the starting lineup Saturday, and though Scioscia said it was simply a matter of getting Finley off his feet in a day game after a night game, it could be a sign of things to come with Finley continuing to struggle offensively.

``We haven't given up on him, but we have to balance it with (the fact that) there are going to be days when he's not going to be in there,'' Scioscia said. ``His playing time as we move forward, we'll examine it closely but we still have confidence he will swing the bat to his capabilities.''

--Second opinion: Third baseman Dallas McPherson will travel to Nashville, Tenn., on Monday to be examined by Dr. Thomas Byrd, a hip specialist who also is the Tennessee Titans' team doctor. McPherson was diagnosed with a bone chip in his hip joint earlier in the week and doctors in Vail, Colo., recommended surgery to shave down the spur. But because he would miss the rest of the season if he had surgery now, he wants a second opinion.

--Odds and ends: Darin Erstad started Saturday's game as the DH for the first time since Aug. 4, 2002. Casey Kotchman started at first base. ... The Angels lead the AL in stolen bases with 122.