OAKLAND -- Tim Salmon dutifully goes through the motions each day at the ballpark, a routine that has been a part of him for most of his life.
But most days, the veteran, now in his 14th Major League season, doesn't find his name among Angels manager Mike Scioscia's starters but down with the reserves.
"It's hard. You want to play, but at the same time it's hard to get frustrated," Salmon said. "Guys are playing well and Scioscia has always gone with the hot hand. I can't get frustrated by that."
Salmon, who was out of Sunday's lineup but was available as a pinch-hitter, last started Friday when he was the designated hitter and went 0-for-3. The 37-year-old is hitting .267 this season with six doubles, six homers and 18 RBIs.
He's losing time primarily to Juan Rivera, who is hitting .277 with 10 doubles, 11 homers and 36 RBIs, and Robb Quinlan, who is hitting .304 with six doubles, five homers and 14 RBIs.
"We want to get Tim in there and we're looking for spots, but we've got a number of guys swinging the bat well right now," Scioscia said.
That Salmon is on the field and in an Angels uniform is an achievement in and of itself. He rehabbed all last year from two surgeries, one to his left knee and another to his left shoulder. Salmon was signed to a Minor League contract and was extended an invitation to Spring Training this season, where he played his way onto the 25-man roster.
While he hasn't made an official announcement, he's all but said this will be his last year.
"It's the grind; it's the day to day. I'm not physically at the point where it doesn't hurt," Salmon said. "I'm just trying to play out the season. I'll probably be chasing around my kids this time next year
But most days, the veteran, now in his 14th Major League season, doesn't find his name among Angels manager Mike Scioscia's starters but down with the reserves.
"It's hard. You want to play, but at the same time it's hard to get frustrated," Salmon said. "Guys are playing well and Scioscia has always gone with the hot hand. I can't get frustrated by that."
Salmon, who was out of Sunday's lineup but was available as a pinch-hitter, last started Friday when he was the designated hitter and went 0-for-3. The 37-year-old is hitting .267 this season with six doubles, six homers and 18 RBIs.
He's losing time primarily to Juan Rivera, who is hitting .277 with 10 doubles, 11 homers and 36 RBIs, and Robb Quinlan, who is hitting .304 with six doubles, five homers and 14 RBIs.
"We want to get Tim in there and we're looking for spots, but we've got a number of guys swinging the bat well right now," Scioscia said.
That Salmon is on the field and in an Angels uniform is an achievement in and of itself. He rehabbed all last year from two surgeries, one to his left knee and another to his left shoulder. Salmon was signed to a Minor League contract and was extended an invitation to Spring Training this season, where he played his way onto the 25-man roster.
While he hasn't made an official announcement, he's all but said this will be his last year.
"It's the grind; it's the day to day. I'm not physically at the point where it doesn't hurt," Salmon said. "I'm just trying to play out the season. I'll probably be chasing around my kids this time next year
