ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ASSIGNMENT ENDS GIL'S STINT.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

CLEVELAND - The Angels parted ways with another member of their World Series roster Friday when they designated infielder Benji Gil for assignment, clearing space on the 40-man and major-league roster for pitcher Kevin Gregg, who will start the first game of today's doubleheader at Jacobs Field.

Gil said if he is not claimed by another major-league team, he will accept an assignment to the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City and would hope to rejoin the Angels when rosters expand in September. A valuable reserve because he can play all four infield positions, Gil, 30, hit .285 last season when he was the Angels' primary second baseman against left-handed pitchers. He also had eight hits in 12 postseason at-bats.

Gil got off to an 0-for-14 start this season and never recovered. He hit .192 with one home run and, since July 25, yielded to Adam Kennedy at second base against left-handers. The Angels will be responsible for about $218,000 of Gil's $725,000 salary.

The Angels kept infield prospect Alfredo Amezaga, hitless in his first 16 at-bats since his recall July 25. But the team will option Gregg back to Salt Lake after his start today and could make another move, perhaps adding Chone Figgins or Nathan Haynes from Triple-A to add outfield depth with center fielder Darin Erstad ailing.

``The season I haven't been good to this point,'' Gil said. ``If there's no (major-league) interest, I'd rather be in this organization. Maybe I'll get back in September.''

Manager Mike Scioscia said: ``It's tough because Benji contributed a lot the last couple of years. We know he's better than he's playing.''

Kennedy now has his chance to show he can hit left-handers consistently. But Gil's release was bittersweet, because Kennedy and Gil became close despite vying for at-bats.

``It's one of the things that made last year so special,'' Kennedy said of his relationship with Gil. ``The relationship's not going to end here. We'll be friends beyond this.''

--Surgery an option for Erstad: Erstad acknowledged season-ending surgery on his sore right hamstring tendon is one of three options to treat the injury. But for now, he said he's ``not ready to cash it in just yet'' on the season.

Erstad underwent an MRI exam and, for the second time this season, was examined by Cleveland Browns orthopedist Dr. John Burgfeld. Both exams revealed nothing new.

Angels trainer Ned Bergert said there are three options to treat the hamstring. One is surgery to clear out scar tissue, which Erstad said he could delay until October and still be ready for spring training, one reason why he's not counting himself out this season.

Another option, Bergert said, is ``active release technique,'' a form of massage. And the final option is use of a sonicator, which is high-intensity ultrasound therapy.