/ AP

Los Angeles slugger Vladimir Guerrero, out with a pectoral tear, isn't expected to need surgery.

updated 12:07 a.m. ET April 18, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS - Vladimir Guerrero wasn’t able to throw. Now he can’t hit, either, and the Los Angeles Angels must play without their valuable slugger for at least one month — if not more.

Guerrero has a torn muscle in his chest and was placed on the 15-day disabled list before Friday’s game at Minnesota. An examination in Los Angeles by noted team orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum revealed the pectoral tear, a day after an MRI test showed a strain and kept him out of the lineup for the first time this season.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Guerrero would be re-evaluated again in a month, but he expressed optimism toward the recovery of the eight-time All-Star outfielder and said Guerrero can heal without surgery.

“We’re just going to take it one step at a time,” Scioscia said.

Guerrero first felt discomfort during an exhibition game on April 2, and hadn’t played in the field yet — only as the designated hitter. Before he left the team Thursday, Guerrero said through an interpreter the injury was only affecting him in the field and not giving him problems at the plate. However, Guerrero only had one extra-base hit — albeit a home run — in 32 at-bats and was hitting .250 with three RBIs.

The Angels declined to give a specific timetable beyond Guerrero’s next assessment, but Scioscia said he anticipated Guerrero being able to bat before he can throw.

“He would definitely be back in our lineup at that point, but right now it’s not in his best interest to do that,” the manager said.

Guerrero’s replacement on the roster will be made Saturday, Scioscia said. Maicer Izturis was the DH on Friday, batting third, evidence of Scioscia’s purported plan to be creative with the lineup to maximize RBI opportunities for Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter. Gary Matthews Jr. will play more, too.

“It’s a big blow having Vlad out of our lineup, but we feel when guys start to do what they can do that we’re going to have more depth,” Scioscia said.

More news

Tony Gutierrez / AP

More heroics from Hamilton

Josh Hamilton fights off illness to hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels win as Pujols HR streak up to 3 games

SEATTLE (AP) - Albert Pujols hit a home run in his third straight game and pinch hitter Alberto Callaspo came through with a grand slam in the sixth inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.

Headlines

• Label

Saltalamacchia's walkoff HR lifts Red Sox

Red Sox's Valentine calls out Rays' coaches

Teixeira hits 2 HRs as Yankees rout A's

HBT: Santana pitches first shutout in 2 years

Harper homers as Strasburg, Nats beat Braves

Buehrle, Marlins stay hot, beat Giants

Fielder's 4-hit game lifts Tigers over Twins

Fear of losing Montero leads D-backs to big deal