ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ERSTAD IS OUT LONGER.

Byline: DOUG PADILLA Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Darin Erstad is out of action indefinitely after an irritation of his right ankle flared up this week, forcing him to shut down his rehabilitation assignment.

Erstad's latest problem was first believed to be minor but, there are indications he could be out at least another month.

After a brief rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Salt Lake, he left Salt Lake's game Monday in the seventh inning.

He is scheduled to meet with team doctors and surgery might be necessary. Erstad initially went on the disabled list with bone spurs and possible tendon and/or ligament damage.

While on the DL, it was discovered he also had a bone bruise in his foot.

``For Ersty to take himself out of the game, it's significant,'' manager Mike Scioscia said.

Scioscia has been criticized in the past for his loyalty to Erstad, but he still thinks the veteran can make a significant impact.

``Ersty, he brings a unique package,'' Scioscia said. ``The key is to be healthy, to be able to give us the defensive presence in center field primarily. When he's healthy he's just a tremendous offensive player that really does well in the clutch and you need that influence on every team.

``Since he's been banged up it's definitely taken a toll on him both at the plate and what it can do on the field.''

Chone Figgins has handled a bulk of the center-field duty lately after Scioscia initially went with rookie Tommy Murphy. Figgins' move to center has allowed Dallas McPherson to get some consistent at-bats at third base and he appears to be more comfortable at the plate.

Since May 24, McPherson has hit four of his five home runs. He had a single and double in consecutive at-bats Wednesday.

Streaking along: Orlando Cabrera had a walk and two more hits to extend his on-base streak.

Cabrera has now reached base via a hit, walk or hit by pitch in an team-record 38 games.

With his sacrifice fly, Cabrera has delivered an RBI or scored a run in 47 of his 57 games.

Izturis update: Maicer Izturis is expected to rejoin the major-league team some time before Friday's game. He had been out since April 24 with a strained left hamstring. Izturis will have a workout at Angel Stadium today. Erick Aybar is expected to be sent back to Triple-A Salt Lake.