ANGELS NOTEBOOK: K-ROD IS BACK TO NORMAL.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

MINNEAPOLIS - Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez has a message to the American League - he's back.

Though some might say he never left, Rodriguez was talking more specifically about his command, which had been a struggle for him ever since he returned from a two-week stint on the disabled list in May.

``I went my first 15 (actually 14) innings without a walk, but after I was on the DL, my walks were too high,'' Rodriguez said. ``I went from zero to 10 really quick. Right there you can tell I wasn't sharp at all.''

Rodriguez had two walks in 17 innings before going onto the DL May 15 because of a strained right forearm. In 17 innings since coming off the DL going into the All-Star break, he had 10 walks.

He looked sharp in Thursday's game, getting the save even though he'd only pitched once in more than a week. Friday, he earned another save.

--Anderson absent: Left fielder Garret Anderson returned home to Southern California after Thursday's game to attend funeral services for his grandmother, who passed away over the weekend. Anderson, a graduate of Kennedy High of Granada Hills, was expected back late Friday night and should be able to play in today's game.

--Angels like Leiter: Manager Mike Scioscia wouldn't rule out the Angels looking into signing pitcher Al Leiter, who was designated for assignment by the Florida Marlins earlier this week. Leiter, 39, was 3-7 with a 6.64 ERA for the Marlins this season.

A serious look at Leiter might depend on Ervin Santana and whether he can find some consistency. Santana is 3-4 with a 6.20 ERA.

--Rivera gets the nod: Juan Rivera will get most of the starts at designated hitter, even against right-handed pitchers, leaving Jeff DaVanon out of the lineup.

--Injury report: The Angels will activate shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the DL today. To make room on the roster, outfielder Curtis Pride was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake.