ANGELS NOTEBOOK: KENNEDY BACK TONIGHT.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - The Angels will activate second baseman Adam Kennedy today, and he'll be in uniform tonight when the Angels begin a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.

But how Kennedy will be worked into the lineup remains to be seen.

Kennedy has played in only three rehab games at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga since suffering a broken bone in his right hand when hit by a pitch March 8. And his replacement at second base this season, David Eckstein, has provided a spark for the club.

Eckstein is hitting .406 (13 for 32) and has a nine-game hitting streak. He's also played well defensively.

Manager Mike Scioscia has said that the job is Kennedy's once he's healthy, but Kennedy said he knows he must play well to keep it.

``He's let me know it's mine,'' Kennedy said. ``But I can't take it for granted. If I go 0 for 20 I probably won't be in there. I don't think I have much leeway, and I wouldn't expect any.''

Kennedy worked out in front of Angels coaches Thursday and showed them he's fully recovered from his injury.

``Whether I'm in there or David's in there, I'll know it isn't because I'm hurt,'' Kennedy said. ``It's because one of us is playing better. I don't anticipate (being on the bench), but if it happens, it happens. If he's playing, it's because he's playing better. So be it.''

Eckstein has said he'll do whatever's best for the team, even if it means going down to Triple-A. Kennedy said he won't put any added pressure on himself to do well with Eckstein in the picture.

``That pressure's already on me, I put that pressure on myself,'' he said. ``I don't sleep good if I don't play good. I gotta come to the clubhouse and sit next to this guy (Darin Erstad) every day. If I don't play good, I've got to hear it from him.''

--Wise has tests: The Angels will have to make room on the roster for Kennedy today. Pitcher Matt Wise is a candidate to be sent down, but he could also be placed on the disabled list depending on the results of tests he'll undergo today. He left Thursday's game with blurred vision and dizziness.

Wise was in the rotation to start the season because Jarrod Washburn was on the disabled list.

With Washburn due back Monday, the Angels will have to make another roster move. It likely will come down to Jose Nieves or Eckstein.

--Rehab assignment: Relief pitcher Rendy Espina will begin a rehab assignment today at single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Espina, a Rule V draftee, was on the disabled list with an infected and inflamed knee as a result of a bug bite or sting.