ANGELS NOTEBOOK: PALMEIRO EXCELS AS ERSTAD REPLACEMENT.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

BOSTON - Darin Erstad was not in the starting lineup Wednesday for the fourth consecutive game because of a muscle strain in his left ribcage. But Erstad, who took batting practice Wednesday for the first time since the injury, is expected to return to the lineup Friday in Anaheim when the club opens a series against the Indians.

Manager Mike Scioscia calls Erstad not only the most-important hitter in his lineup, but the MVP of the league. However, the Angels haven't missed him as badly as one might have thought. Going into Wednesday's game, the Angels were 2-1 without him.

Orlando Palmeiro has started all four games, hitting leadoff and playing left field, normally Erstad's spots. In the first three games, Palmeiro went 6 for 13 and made one diving catch, impressing, among others, Erstad himself.

``I tip my hat to him,'' Erstad said. ``I've always said he could play every day anyway. I played along side him in Triple-A and I know what he's capable of. It's hard to put value on who's the MVP of the team. But to me, he's of the most valuable guys we have.''

For the season, Palmeiro is hitting .321, having started 18 games in left field, 16 games in right and 14 as the DH.

``When you have guys injured, if I can alleviate the pressure of guys returning earlier than they should, that's the satisfaction I get,'' Palmeiro said. ``I want to let him know he doesn't have to rush back.''

Palmeiro's on-base percentage of .407 is equal to Erstad's and behind only Tim Salmon's .408 on the team.

``He's our microwave,'' Scioscia said. ``Instant offense. He gets on base and sets the table. He's a big asset not only because of his defensive versatility but his offensive versatility. We can use him one or two in the order, or eight or nine. He always puts the ball in play. He's been great in any role we've put him in.''

--Protest decision: General manager Bill Stoneman talked to the commissioner's office Wednesday and was told the decision on the club's protest of Monday's game will be made either today or Friday.

If by remote chance the Angels' protest is upheld, the next order of business would be to determine when to play the game. Both teams have an off-day Aug. 31, but if the Red Sox were to play that day, it would exceed the league rule of playing more than 20 consecutive days.

However, the labor agreement allows the players of the team involved to vote on whether or not they would agree to exceed the limit.

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2 photos, box

Photo: (1) JACKSON

(2) GLAUS

Box: Chasing Reggie