Cowgill will continue to get playing time

ANAHEIM -- The return of right fielder Kole Calhoun and the impending return of left fielder Josh Hamilton means Collin Cowgill won't be an everyday player for the Angels much longer, but that doesn't mean he won't continue to get a fair share of playing time.

The right-handed-hitting Cowgill started in right field on Friday, with the left-handed Calhoun sitting against Royals lefty starter Danny Duffy as he eases his way back from the sprained right ankle that forced him to miss five weeks. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Calhoun "is too good a hitter to be platooned right now," but Cowgill can expect to continue to get at-bats if one of the three outfielders needs a day off, or one moves to designated hitter for a day, or the right matchup presents itself.

The 28-year-old Cowgill entered Friday's series opener against the Royals with a .293/.391/.394 slash line, while providing above-average speed and defense. He's reached base safely in 26 of his 29 starts -- not to mention 21 of his last 47 plate appearances -- and the Angels are 19-10 in his 29 starts.

As Scioscia said: "Collin will get his time."

"When a guy needs a break, I'm ready to go," Cowgill said. "No one wants these guys back as much as I do, and also the rest of these guys in this clubhouse. We need them back as soon as possible because we're putting together something special as a team."