Aybar eyeing Monday return against Royals

CHICAGO -- Erick Aybar's injured hamstring caused him to miss his third straight game on Sunday, but the Angels' switch-hitting shortstop is getting awfully close.

Aybar did some agility drills, took batting practice and fielded ground balls prior to Sunday's series finale against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. He plans to arrive early to Angel Stadium on Monday, run the bases, and if his right hamstring continues to feel good, start the series opener against the Royals.

"It's been feeling really good," said Aybar, who experienced tightness in the area while running down the first-base line in the fourth inning of Thursday's game. "The stretching and massage has worked well."