There will be an outfield surplus soon

In Anderson's absence, Reggie Willits has emerged as such a productive leadoff batter and proficient left fielder that Scioscia will have little choice but to keep Willits in the lineup when Anderson is activated.

Which leaves Anderson

"I don't think Garret is going to settle into a pure designated hitter role, but if it helps keep him at a [high] level, we will consider it," Scioscia said. "When he's healthy, he's a good left fielder."

When Anderson, out since April 28, returns, Scioscia will probably rotate Willits through the three outfield spots, and outfielders Anderson, Vladimir Guerrero and Gary Matthews Jr., through the designated hitter spot, in an effort to keep all four outfielders fresh.

That would cut drastically into designated hitter Shea Hillenbrand's at-bats, leaving Hillenbrand in a probable first base platoon with Casey Kotchman.

*

Scioscia, who has not missed a game for reasons other than a suspension in six-plus seasons, will miss both games in Yankee Stadium next weekend to attend his son Matt's graduation from Encino Crespi High.

Scioscia expected to miss only Saturday's game, but he will be unable to return to New York in time for Sunday's day game. Bench coach Ron Roenicke will run the team in Scioscia's absence.

"It's never easy to not be there, but when it comes to family, that's the No. 1 priority," Scioscia said. "Your son graduates from high school one time

*

Second baseman Howie Kendrick, out since April 18 because of a broken bone on his left hand, hit .267 (four for 15) with one homer and four runs batted in during the first four games of a triple-A rehabilitation assignment and will remain at Salt Lake until at least Wednesday, at which time he'll be evaluated.

"Physically, he's fine -- his bat speed is there -- but his timing is not there at the plate," Scioscia said.

*

Kotchman is one of the slowest players on the team, but his eighth-inning triple off the right-field wall Sunday gave him a team-leading three triples, one more than he had in six previous professional seasons combined.

"It's a little surprising," Kotchman said of his team lead. "That won't last long."

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com