ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Anaheim Angels placed center fielder Darin Erstad on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday because of tendinitis in his right hamstring and called up outfielder Gary Johnson from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Erstad, a Jamestown, N.D., native who led the major leagues with 240 hits three seasons ago, is hitting .333 with two homers and eight RBIs in 18 games for the defending World Series champions. He hasn't played since April 19, when he was removed from a game against Seattle at Edison Field in the fifth inning.

"We've waited a week. I can't play,'' Erstad said. "As much as you don't want to miss games, it's the smart thing to do. I'm just trying to really stay off it and not hit for a few days and try to calm it down as much as I can.''

It is the third time in Erstad's eight-year career that he has gone on the DL. The other times were in 1999 because of a strained right knee ligament and in 1998 with a strained left hamstring.

He also missed seven games last season with post-concussion syndrome after going headfirst trying to catch a flyball against the Texas Rangers at Edison Field, and sat out three games last July because of an infected blood blister on the top of his left foot.

"When he ran the bases the other day, it was just really a test to see where it was,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. "I don't think it responded to the point that he had hoped, and I know the right thing to do right now is take a step back and let this thing get to a point where hopefully it won't hamper him anymore during the season.''

Erstad, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract extension last August, had the best fielding percentage among AL center fielders over the previous two seasons -- committing two errors in 874 total chances.

During Erstad's absence, Eric Owens has started in center field. Although he doesn't possess Erstad's proclivity for making highlight-reel diving catches, he has displayed a good arm and good range. Owens also has proven to be a basestealing threat and has contributed some key hits.

"We all have tremendous confidence in everybody we put out there,'' said Erstad, a two-time Gold Glove winner. "One thing they do a great job of here is getting guys who are team players, know their roles and play really hard when they're in there. I mean, obviously, you want to have everybody in the lineup, but that's why you get the kind of guys that we've got.''

The Angels placed only two of their regular position players on the DL last season -- catcher Bengie Molina because of a strained left hamstring and right fielder Tim Salmon because of a bruised left hand.

"Part of winning is being healthy and having your players on the field, but that's just the law of averages,'' DH Brad Fullmer said. "Eventually, guys are going to get banged up -- but better now than late in the year. I think that's the reason we're scuffling right now. Hopefully, we'll hand in there and keep our heads above water until everyone gets healthy.''

Johnson, coming up to the majors for the first time at age 27, batted .256 with two homers and 17 RBIs in 20 games for Salt Lake.

After leaving Brigham Young, he began a two-year Mormon mission for his church and resumed his baseball career at 23.

"I'm pinching myself,'' said Johnson, who started in right field against the Boston Red Sox while Tim Salmon was the DH. "It's an exciting time in my life. Last year when I was hit by a pitch and broke my arm, I thought maybe my window had closed. But I just figured that I'd rehab that thing, get back into shape and give it a shot this year.''