Guerrero continues his June boom

The boom of the fireworks at Angel Stadium followed a Vladimir Guerrero at-bat Wednesday, a loud reminder that his early-season woes may be over.

His eighth-inning home run was his third in four games, part of an 11-for-24 tear since June began. Guerrero’s batting average has risen from a season-low .246 to .269 in that time.

“I have been working more in the batting cage, hitting off the tee,� Guerrero said through an interpreter. “That helps me stay on the ball longer. It is something I have done in my career before. I felt like I needed to go back to it.�

Guerrero said that his sore right knee has not been the problem. Manager Mike Scioscia, meanwhile, downplayed Guerrero’s struggles at the plate.

“I just think, in the batter’s box, he’s very comfortable right now,� Scioscia said. “It’s not just the knee getting healthy. He was healthy earlier in the year, but maybe he wasn’t locked in.

“What happened to him has happened before to him, so it’s not like, ‘My God, what is going on?’ It was magnified because it was at the start of the year. Hopefully, as he keeps going, we’ll see those numbers [we’re] more accustomed to seeing from Vlad.�

Fab four reunion?

The Angels are closer to having their starting infield together -- on the field, not on the disabled list -- for the first time since April 13.

Third baseman Chone Figgins (hamstring) continued his rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Salt Lake, and, barring an unexpected setback, will be back in the lineup this weekend when the Angels play the Atlanta Braves, Scioscia said. Meanwhile, shortstop Erick Aybar (dislocated finger) began taking batting practice and could be sent out on a rehab assignment next week.

“Erick has cleared one hurdle, which he needed to do,� Scioscia said. “If everything goes well with his workouts, he’ll start on rehab next week.�

One in, one out

Gary Matthews Jr. returned to the lineup, a day after being scratched with what Scioscia said was probably food poisoning.

Matthews homered in the fifth inning, tying the score, 1-1, and extending his hitting streak to eight games. He played left field, replacing Garret Anderson, who was held out because of a sore right knee.

“Garret’s knee is just a little stiff,� Scioscia said. “We give him a day, then have a day off [today]. He’ll be ready by Friday.�

Pitch meeting

Kelvim Escobar is scheduled to throw 45 pitches off the mound Friday in his effort to return from a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

“I threw 30 pitches Monday and there was no pain, no weakness,� Escobar said. “That’s a lot of progress. I feel good.�

In the swing

With another round of interleague play approaching, Angels pitchers are preparing to bat. Confidence, it seems, is not high.

Asked which pitcher was the best hitter, Scioscia said, “We don’t have a best hitter. We have some that are less challenged than others.�

John Lackey wasn’t looking forward to the opportunity: “Why should I? I’m 0 for five or six years.�

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