On DL, Aybar already noticing improvement in toe

ANAHEIM -- Angels shortstop Erick Aybar, placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a fractured right big toe, says he's "feeling better every day" and expects to return around the time he's eligible to, on Aug. 6

Time will tell, of course, but Aybar did some light throwing on Saturday and is now without a walking boot. He still doesn't know when he'll get back to swinging the bat or running, though. Aybar tried to run early on Friday, but it was just too soon.

"Let's see how it goes," he said in Spanish on Saturday. "I know I feel better today than yesterday, so that's good. Hopefully next week I'll feel even better and can come back soon after."

Maicer Izturis will be the starting shortstop while Aybar is out, with Andrew Romine able to serve as a backup at shortstop, third base and second base.

"We're comfortable with the fact that it's going to be a shorter-term thing as opposed to something that might be prolonged," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "You never know how this thing sets up as you get into next week and he starts getting into more baseball activities, but we're very pleased with where he is now."