Early Return for Erstad

Darin Erstad missed three games and was expected to miss at least a few more because of an infected blood blister atop his left foot.

But the gritty center fielder returned to the lineup Friday night against the Seattle Mariners and helped the Angels in their 15-3 victory at Edison Field.

“I never thought [Thursday] that I would be able to play today, but it’s amazing what medicine can do,” Erstad said.

Erstad hit a double to the right-field gap and scored a run in the first inning, singled in the second inning, walked and scored in the fourth, hit a fly ball to left in the fifth and walked and scored in the sixth.

He ran without noticeable discomfort, but appeared to be in pain while trotting to the dugout after scoring runs.

Manager Mike Scioscia was surprised Erstad was ready from a physical standpoint, but knew Erstad was ready mentally.

“He came be-bopping in like he was a kid that just sat through three days of rain and couldn’t go out and play,” Scioscia said. “He usually comes to the park ready to play. This was even more.”

*

Reliever Al Levine will be activated from the disabled list today. Reliever Matt Wise will be sent to triple-A Salt Lake for the third time this season.

Wise was recalled from Salt Lake on Monday when Troy Percival was placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 12, but had not pitched until working the ninth inning Friday.

Wise is out of options, meaning the Angels must keep him on the major league roster next season or put him on waivers.

*

Percival said he will not need a rehabilitation assignment before rejoining the team July 27.

“I’ll be back the day I’m available,” said Percival, who ranks fourth in the American League with 22 saves. “I’ll be ready to throw [in the bullpen] two or three days from now. I’ll be ready to go.”

*

Catcher Jose Molina, making his second start in place of his injured brother Bengie, faced a Mariner team that entered the game leading the American League with 91 stolen bases.

Jose was recalled from Salt Lake on Wednesday after Bengie was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left hamstring.

The Mariners did not waste time challenging Jose. Ichiro Suzuki tried to steal second base in the first inning and made it unchallenged when Molina committed a passed ball on a pitchout.

Bret Boone stole second base in the second inning and advanced to third on Molina’s throwing error.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

JOHN LACKEY

(1-1, 3.12 ERA)

vs.

MARINERS’

RYAN FRANKLIN

(4-2, 4.13 ERA)

Edison Field, 7

TV--Fox Sports Net.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Update--Lackey gave up five runs and seven hits in six innings but did not figure in the decision in a 10-8 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Franklin gave up six runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings of a 6-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.

Gary Klein