ANGELS NOTEBOOK: MATTHEWS HOPES TO RETURN SOON.

Byline: DOUG PADILLA 

Staff Writer

ANAHEIM -- Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. said Wednesday he expects to return from his sprained right ankle by the start of the next road trip, which would give him six days' worth of at-bats in order to get ready for the postseason.

When Matthews was injured Sept. 11 at Baltimore, it was serious enough that he thought he broke the ankle while sliding into second base. X-rays proved otherwise, so at that point his dream scenario was to get into some games before the playoffs start.

After a week's worth of rehab and strengthening exercises, the only thing that is giving Matthews trouble now is batting from the left side of the plate.

"Really that's the only time when it sort of stings a little bit, when it bites, is when I am pivoting (while) hitting left-handed," Matthews said. "It's when I'm pivoting to the right or twisting to the right. It feels good this morning, so ... "

There is even an outside chance Matthews could play during this weekend's series at home against the Seattle Mariners, but he wouldn't endorse that idea.

"I wouldn't write it," he said.

Matthews has continued to produce, much as he did last season, when his breakout year earned him a five-year, $50 million deal from the Angels. His 18 home runs are one off his career high set last season and his 72 RBIs are sevenoff his career mark, also set last year. But he is batting .257 this year, well off his average of .313 a year ago.

But where Matthews' recent absence has been felt the most most is in center field, where he has been a steadying influence all season.

"Yeah, I think Gary, the defense he's brought this year, has been spectacular," manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think when you're (evaluating) a player and what he's done, it's a real eye-opener when his presence is not there. You see the void. The other guys are good defenders, too, but Gary is a special player and gives us a different look and it's important for us."

Guerrero still at DH: Vladimir Guerrero remains stuck in the designated- hitter role, as his sore right triceps continues to ache. Guerrero has not tried throwing a ball since trying it in Chicago on Friday and stopping because of discomfort. He will try to resume throwing today.

Scioscia said there is a chance the injury could linger into the postseason.

While not a fan of the DH position, Guerrero said he has grown accustomed to it the past week.

"At first it took me a couple days to get used to it," he said through broadcaster Jose Mota, who was serving as interpreter. "(Knowing) that I would be relegated to that role, I tried to find a routine that worked for me. It was a little harder.

"Now I know I am going to be there as a DH. I want to get back to right field, but I'm used to the routine and I know what's expected of me and I feel great about it."

Also: Chone Figgins, who suffered a bone bruise in his right wrist nearly a month ago, has just started to swing from the right side of the plate. He might not be comfortable hitting right-handed until the road trip next week. ... Saturday's game time has been changed to 12:55 p.m. to accommodate national television.