ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ESCOBAR'S RETURN A WAYS OFF.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Kelvim Escobar threw a simulated game on Friday, his first appearance against live batters since going on the disabled list for the third time this season with elbow pain, and afterward declared himself ready to embark on a rehabilitation assignment to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

His manager had a less glowing review.

``He's not there yet,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said after Escobar's 35-pitch session. ``It certainly showed the things you want to improve. He's moving in the right direction, but this was one step in a string that he needs to make. He's going to need more of these sessions here before he's ready to go pitch in a game.''

Escobar said he threw all of his pitches without pain, but acknowledged that he can still feel the presence of a bone spur in his elbow. His entire season has been a battle over wherever to have the spur removed surgically or pitch through it.

Now, it seems he won't return until after the All-Star break. Escobar said he'd probably need three rehabilitation starts, so even if his first one came Tuesday, that would put him on course to return during the Angels' series at Minnesota beginning July 14.

``I've been very, very frustrated because people don't have an idea how badly I want to be out there helping the team,'' he said. ``At the same time, there's not much you can do about it. Hopefully, I'm doing the right things and will be able to help the team to the playoffs. That's the goal.''

--Cabrera back in lineup: Orlando Cabrera wasn't sure what hurt more - his inflamed elbow or watching Maicer Izturis shine at shortstop in his stead.

``It does bother me seeing other people play for me,'' Cabrera said Friday upon returning to the lineup following a three-game absence.

Cabrera said he will continue to take anti-inflammatory medication and receive treatment on his elbow. The Angels swept the Texas Rangers without him as Izturis had five hits in 11 at-bats and played a solid shortstop.

--Court ruling pending: The Angels are expecting a court ruling Monday that could uphold an appeal by the city of Anaheim to get a temporary injunction preventing the club from changing its name.

If the city's appeal is rejected, the Angels likely will be clear to use the name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim through the season, pending a November trial.