ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SALMON MAKING HIS CASE.

Byline: Doug Padilla  Staff Writer

SEATTLE - Tim Salmon has emphatically made a case for more playing time and until it comes the trick will be to maintain his ideal approach at the plate.

Salmon got his first start of the season and hit a home run along with a double. A day earlier, Salmon hit the first pinch-hit home run of his career.

"I think health-wise I'll be OK because there's going to be enough breaks in between but I think the challenge is always going to be trying to stay sharp," Salmon said.

If Salmon is to forge more playing time, it likely would come at the expense of Juan Rivera, but he also looks to be swinging the bat well.

"We're establishing a little bit of depth now and the guys who are swinging the bats we're going to obviously try to keep them in the lineup," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We have a little bit of versatility, not a lot. It's a nice issue to have when you have too many guys who are swinging the bats well. If that's going to be the case, then that's fine."

--Guerrero OK: Vladimir Guerrero was dazed but remained in the game after right-hander Julio Mateo hit him in the head with a pitch in the eighth inning. Guerrero ducked just in time to create a glancing blow instead of taking a direct hit to the side of the helmet. Guerrero was sprawled out on the dirt at the plate for a moment before taking first base. He was back in the outfield in the top of the ninth inning.

--Not front and center: With left-hander Jarrod Washburn on the mound for the Mariners, one option Scioscia had was to rest Darin Erstad and start the right-handed hitting Rivera in center. But Scioscia doesn't seem completely sold yet on Rivera's ability to patrol center field.

" It's something we'll look at as time goes on," Scioscia said. "He's feeling more comfortable out there and we're feeling good with it. But it's an important position and this is a big field too for Ersty to get out there and play center."

Rivera has three hits in eight at-bats this season, including a home run and three RBIs.

--Dunn claimed by Tampa Bay: Pitcher Scott Dunn, who was designated for assignment, was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Dunn, who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in 2003 after Scott Schoeneweis was traded, was taken off the 40-man roster Sunday to make room for Salmon.