ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SANTANA CREATES OPTIONS.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Ervin Santana's five-hit shutout of the Chicago White Sox on Monday didn't exactly send shock waves through the Angels organization, because they expected the 22-year-old Dominican to exhibit frontline-starter potential at some point.

But his dominant performance has given them plenty to ponder, such as, what, exactly, do they have on their hands, and what can Santana mean to this season?

Injured starter Kelvim Escobar will throw a bullpen session today and, barring complications, will return to the rotation in Santana's stead Saturday. Jarrod Washburn, who has been receiving treatment on a sore elbow, will start tonight against the White Sox.

For now, Santana represents an insurance policy, but manager Mike Scioscia noted he provides the luxury of ``getting a read on where (Escobar and Washburn) are, and go from there.'' More than likely, Santana will return to Triple-A Salt Lake, but his dominant stuff served notice that he could be a factor again this year, be it through injury or trade of a current starter.

``Obviously, one game doesn't make a season or a career,'' pitching coach Bud Black said Tuesday. ``He has things to refine. If we do have to make a move, his time will come. Our best five now are the five we have in there. Is he one of our top starting pitchers in the organization beyond our five? Absolutely, or he wouldn't be here starting.''

--McPherson vs. lefty: The Angels need to find out if Dallas McPherson will emerge as a productive force at third base. So for just the third time in the past eight games against a left-handed starter, McPherson was in the lineup, and against tough Chicago lefty Mark Buehrle to boot. McPherson, hitting .221 coming in, struck out in his first two at-bats against Buehrle.

--Bootcheck gets the call: Chris Bootcheck impressed in his first stint with the Angels, throwing a pair of scoreless outings, so when Kevin Gregg's 7.77 ERA and 17 walks in 22 innings forced his demotion to Salt Lake, it was an easy call to tab Bootcheck to replace him.