ANGELS NOTEBOOK: BIG-LEAGUE DAY FOR KENDRICK.

Byline: DOUG PADILLA Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Howie Kendrick made his much-anticipated arrival at Angel Stadium on Monday, bringing a load of natural ability and a desire to learn more.

One of the two most prized offensive prospects in the Angels' system - along with Brandon Wood - the second baseman's first major-league promotion was based on what he can do at the plate. He was batting .386 at Triple-A Salt Lake with 11 runs, eight doubles, two home runs and 13 RBIs in 16 games.

Kendrick got the call over Erick Aybar, whose ability to play both second base and shortstop is more akin to that of Maicer Izturis, who was placed on the disabled list Monday after he injured his left hamstring.

"I think there are a lot of things we looked at that could have gone either way," manager Mike Scioscia said. "But I think the flexibility to hit off the bench plays better for us right now. If Erick was here - not that he wouldn't get at-bats off the bench - but he'd be doing a lot of pinch running and Reggie (Willits) can handle that right now. It just gives us an opportunity to get a little offensive presence."

Kendrick is about as aggressive as they come at the plate. He had a combined 20 walks between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Arkansas last season in 460 official at-bats. He still hit a combined .367 for the second consecutive season.

"You hear things now and then about walking more, but I like to hit, and if I get my pitches early in the count and I guess I really don't miss as much," he said. "I'm not really going up to the plate to walk, but I guess if they want to give me a walk I'll take it. But as far as hitting goes I'm going to attack the zone more and be aggressive early (in the count)."

--Izturis lost for a while: Izturis might be looking at an extended stay on the disabled list, well beyond the required 15 days. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI this week.

"He's in a lot of pain," Scioscia said. "There is a significant defect in there that the trainers can feel. ... This is obviously going to take some time."

--Colon tosses ball: Bartolo Colon played catch in the outfield before Monday's game. It was the first time he had thrown a ball since he pitched seven innings April 15 at Baltimore. The team does not have a timetable for his return.