Los Angeles Angeles de Anaheim: Erick Aybar

It’s been a whirlwind of a season for Angels infielder Erick Aybar but Dominican’s ability to keep his focus is part of the reason he’ll be the starting shortstop for the Angels when the postseason starts.

More importantly, he also shows flashes of playing like an All-Star.

“I know I can play everyday,” Aybar said. “I just have to do my job. I have to keep working hard and playing my game.”

So far, so good. Aybar is hitting .283 with three home runs and 38 RBIs in 91 games. He started the season splitting time at the position with Venezuelan Macier Izturis but took over the job full-time when Izturis when down with a season-ending injury to his thumb.

“It was the manager’s decision to play both of us,” Aybar said. “I was always there when they needed me. I played with Iztuis and we were good. He got hurt and I felt bad but I had to take ad vantage of the opportunity.”

Aybar is no stranger to injury. He strained his hamstring Aug. 27 and is being slowly worked into the lineup. He also missed 25 games earlier this season because of a dislocated right pinkie.

“You have to remember that this is baseball,” Aybar said. “One day you are here, the next day you can be somewhere else. You play and do your job when you get the chance because you don’t know when the chance will come.”

“I’ve learned so much, things that help me get better,” he continued. “We all help each other here. We are united in this clubhouse. Vlad (Guerrero) is always helping me, showing me around. We are good friends here.”

The friends could be World Series champions when the postseason ends.