Eckstein Is Given a Day Off

Only nine games into the season, Mike Scioscia gave David Eckstein the first of what the manager said would be occasional days off in an effort to keep the shortstop rested and reserve players sharp.

Scioscia said the move was not related to any health issues and that Eckstein probably would still play between 148 and 155 games.

Eckstein played in 152 games in 2002 but in only 120 last year because of injuries. He said he was informed of the plan during spring training and, while not thrilled, understood.

“If you show up the park, you want to play every day,” Eckstein said. “But they’re looking at the bigger picture as opposed to the everyday thing.”

Chone Figgins replaced Eckstein at shortstop Thursday and Darin Erstad batted leadoff.

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Jose Guillen was a late addition to the lineup after responding quickly to pregame treatment on the left wrist that had been hit by a pitch Wednesday night. The left fielder, hit about an inch from where Dodger pitcher Jeff Weaver had plunked him during the Freeway Series, slammed his bat to the ground in disgust Wednesday but remained in the game and said Thursday he felt only slight soreness.

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An Orange County Superior Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a former Angel employee who had sued the team for wrongful termination and breach of promise after he acknowledged soliciting bids for his World Series ring on EBay.

Phil Alger, a computer programmer and analyst for Anaheim Sports, the Disney entity that ran the Angels and Mighty Ducks, never received the ring and resigned from his position after being suspended and placed on unpaid leave in April 2003.

Alger’s attorney, Michael DesJardins, said Anaheim Sports agreed to drop a cross-complaint that alleged Alger had breached an agreement by disclosing confidential information through the EBay listing in exchange for Alger’s waiving his right to an appeal.

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The Angels will honor longtime team photographer V.J. Lovero tonight during a pregame ceremony that includes a video tribute to his life and career. Lovero, who also was a photographer for the Mighty Ducks and Sports Illustrated, died Jan. 12 after a four-year battle with cancer. Lovero’s sons, John and Jay, will throw out ceremonial first pitches to former Angels Kirk McCaskill and Rod Carew, longtime friends of the Lovero family.... The Angels extended their contract with Class-A affiliate Rancho Cucamonga through 2008.... Troy Glaus is expected to return to the lineup tonight against Oakland after missing a fourth consecutive game Thursday with tightness in his left hamstring.... Vladimir Guerrero (sore knee) played his third consecutive game at designated hitter.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Oakland Athletics, three games.

Site -- Angel Stadium.

TV -- Fox Sports Net tonight, Fox Sports Net 2 on Saturday, ESPN on Sunday.

Radio -- KSPN (710), KTNQ (1020).

Records -- Angels 6-4, Athletics 6-3.

2003 record vs. Athletics -- 8-12.

Tonight, 7 -- Bartolo Colon (2-0, 0.64 ERA) vs. Tim Hudson (1-0, 1.93).

Saturday, 7 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (1-1, 8.44) vs. Mark Mulder (1-0, 1.93).

Sunday, 5 p.m. -- Kelvim Escobar (0-0, 3.75) vs. Barry Zito (1-1, 4.15).