ANGELS NOTEBOOK: DAVANON'S PLAY EARNS CLOSER LOOK.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Darin Erstad's hamstring injury created a comfort level for Jeff DaVanon that never existed in DaVanon's three previous stints in the major leagues.

On Friday, Erstad worked out at Tropicana Field, hopped on a golf cart and exited the stadium, on his way to a rehabilitation assignment that should put the Angels center fielder back in the lineup June 9. But this time, when Erstad comes back, it doesn't necessarily mean DaVanon is going back down to the minors.

After a slow start at the plate and in the outfield, DaVanon has shown in recent weeks the diverse skills that compelled the Angels to acquire him from the Oakland Athletics in 1999. Erstad hasn't played since April 19, and since the Angels knew his absence would be extended, DaVanon for once was able to play and not look over his shoulder.

The results have been evident. When DaVanon suffered a four-strikeout game in the midst of a 1-for-11 skid earlier this month, he was not back on the shuttle to Triple-A Salt Lake. Instead, he was able to work through his problems at the plate and he took advantage of the opportunity, using a 17-for-37 tear to boost his average to .338 entering Friday's game.

Defensively, he contributed a memorable home run-saving non-catch in a victory at Boston, and on consecutive nights this week in Baltimore, he scooted into both gaps to make diving catches on balls that would have produced run-scoring extra-base hits.

``I definitely see a more confident player, a player who understands everything you're going to do in this game isn't going to be sensational,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``He has a lot of tools. You see younger players, at times these guys want to achieve so much so quickly that when they don't, it's frustrating.''

--Fullmer ruling: Umpire Charlie Reliford cited Rule 2.19 in the umpire's manual as grounds for ejecting Brad Fullmer from Thursday night's game. Fullmer threw his helmet after Reliford called him out at home, and Rule 2.19 states that ``any player throwing equipment in response to an umpire's call is subject to fine. If deemed flagrant, the player is subject to ejection.''

Reliford said: ``(Fullmer) did not say anything. But I deemed that flagrant, and that's what I told (Scioscia).''

--Salmon run record: Tim Salmon's run scored in the sixth inning Friday night was the 890th of his career, breaking Brian Downing's club record. Salmon is the Angels' career leader in walks, home runs, RBI, extra-base hits and total bases.

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ANGELS vs. TAMPA BAY

- Gabe Lacques