Anaheim Angels: Center fielder Darin Erstad, on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right hamstring, was showing progress with the injury according to team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum.

	Erstad

Yocum gave no timetable regarding Erstad's return after examining him before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland. Erstad has increased his workout regimen, including pool exercises, and will continue to be monitored during the Angels' six-game homestand.

Erstad hasn't played since April 19, when he was removed from a game against Seattle at Edison Field in the fifth inning.

One newspaper report Monday said Erstad would be sidelined for an additional five weeks. But Erstad took batting practice on the field about four hours before Tuesday's game to help work off some of the nervous energy that comes from not knowing.

"Hitting has not been an issue, but it's not like I've really tested it or anything," Erstad said. "I feel great. The only activity I can't do is run, which is kind of important for what I've got to do."

Erstad, who turns 29 next month, read about the five-week prognostication, but didn't lose any sleep over it.

"That's the maximum time," he pointed out. "You'd like to think you can recover quicker, but I'm trying not to set any timetable because you don't want to try and rush something that's not ready."

Cincinnati Reds: Shortstop Barry Larkin was activated from the disabled list, but manager Bob Boone plans to use him conservatively so he doesn't aggravate his troublesome calf.

	Larkin

Maybe Boone ought to rethink his approach after seeing Larkin hit a pinch-hit two-run home run in the ninth inning Tuesday, giving the Reds a 6-5 victory over St. Louis.

Larkin went on the 15-day disabled list April 14 after he strained his left calf while running the bases. Doctors told him he could be sidelined for an extended time if he returned too quickly.

Larkin, who turned 39 last month, wanted to be in the starting lineup against the Cardinals, but Boone wasn't convinced that Larkin could make it through a game.

"I'm going to take it a little cautious," Boone said. "I might start him tomorrow or the next day."

The Reds optioned infielder Ryan Freel to Triple-A Louisville to open a spot for Larkin. Freel was called up April 19 and appeared in 10 games, including six starts at second base, and gave the Reds more speed in the lineup. He stole three bases in four tries.

The move leaves the Reds with only one extra middle infielder. Felipe Lopez has played shortstop in Larkin's absence, but he has a team-high 10 errors and is hitting only .238. Juan Castro can play shortstop or second base.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Craig Counsell, who dislocated his right thumb in Arizona's 6-5 victory over Philadelphia on Tuesday night, will be placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks' infielder will undergo an MRI exam Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury. Until then, hand specialist Don Sheridan would not speculate on how long Counsell would be sidelined.

Infielder Alex Cintron, second in the Pacific Coast League in hitting at .394 entering Tuesday night's play, will be recalled from Triple-A Tucson.

Team doctor Michael Lee said the thumb was put back in place quickly and Counsell had minimal pain, but the MRI will determine whether there's any soft tissue or ligament damage.

"The stability of the joint and the short- and long-term treatment of it depends upon the assessment of the ligament on the MRI tomorrow,'' Sheridan said.

X-rays showed no fracture.