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Los Angeles Angels

8/13/2006

Jered Weaver, laa

On Sunday, Weaver became the first rookie since Livian Hernandez to win his first eight straight decisions. Hernandez did it with Florida in 1997. Weaver pitched six innings, allowing one run and three hits while striking out eight in the Los Angeles Angels' 5-3 win.

8/12/2006

Curtis Pride, laa

Pride started in left field for the injured Garrett Anderson (back spasms) in the Angels' 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees on Saturday. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his first start of the season.

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson was scratched from the Angels lineup on Saturday with back spasms. He is listed as day-to-day, but is expected to return on Sunday. Curtis Pride filled in for him in left field.

8/11/2006

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera has 46 RBIs in his last 48 starts.

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana was hit in the left leg by a line drive and left Thursday night's game against Cleveland after only five pitches. Tests at Lutheran Medical Center revealed no break and Santana was listed as day-to-day with a bruise.

8/7/2006

Maicer Izturis, laa

Izturis left Sunday's game with a tight right hamstring. Manager Mike Scioscia said after the game that Izturis could be available Monday if needed, but would likely get the day off.

8/6/2006

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero had a 44-game hitting streak against the Texas Rangers snapped in Saturday's 10-3 loss. The Los Angeles Angels outfielder walked his first four at-bats Saturday against Texas and finished 0-for-1. He's been walked 16 times this season and 186 times in his 11-year career.

8/5/2006

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon who learned Friday he has a rotator cuff problem could miss the rest of the season. The Los Angeles Angels right-hander had an MRI exam which revealed a partial thickness tear of the rotator cuff, requiring aggressive rehab. Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said surgery was not mentioned during his conversation with the team doctor.

8/1/2006

Joe Saunders, laa

Saunders will make his second start this season and fourth career start on Tuesday when the Angels face the Oakland Athletics. Saunders is taking the place of Bartolo Colon, who is on the disabled list with tendinitis.

7/26/2006

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon left after the first inning of the Angels' game at the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Wednesday with right elbow irritation. The right-hander gave up four runs and four hits, including home runs by Rocco Baldelli and Ty Wigginton. He was replaced by Kevin Gregg.

7/25/2006

Curtis Pride, laa

Pride was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday when the Angels optioned Kendry Morales to the Bees.

Kendry Morales, laa

The Angels optioned Morales to Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday and recalled 37-year-old outfielder Curtis Pride to take his place on the active roster.

7/24/2006

Jered Weaver, laa

Weaver became the first rookie in 25 years to win his first seven starts Sunday, pitching the Los Angeles Angels past the Kansas City Royals 3-1. Not since Fernando Valenzuela went 8-0 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981 had any rookie launched his career with seven wins in seven starts. Weaver went 6 2-3 innings Sunday, giving up three hits and one run. His ERA actually went UP _ from 1.12 to 1.15 in 47 innings.

7/23/2006

Kelvim Escobar, laa

The Angels activated Escobar from the 15-day disabled list Saturday and optioned Chris Bootcheck to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Chris Bootcheck, laa

Bootcheck was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday when right-hander Kelvim Escobar was activated from the 15-day disabled list.

7/20/2006

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera homered for the eighth time in 12 games in the Angels' 6-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

John Lackey, laa

Lackey's scoreless streak was snapped at 30 2-3 innings when he allowed a two-run homer to Ben Broussard in the Angels' 6-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

7/19/2006

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera homered twice in the Angels' 7-5 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday.

7/8/2006

John Lackey, laa

Lackey was nearly perfect on Friday night against the Athletics, allowing only a leadoff double, then retiring the next 27 batters as the Angels beat Oakland 3-0. He matched his career high with 10 strikeouts and became the first pitcher since Jerry Reuss on June 11, 1982, to retire 27 in a row after allowing a leadoff hit.

7/5/2006

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera went 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in Tuesday's 14-6 win over Seattle. The Angels' left fielder has eight home runs on the season and four mutli-homer games in his career.

7/4/2006

Jered Weaver, laa

Weaver pitched seven innings and allowed just one run in the Angels' 7-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Weaver was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday to take the roster spot of his brother, Jeff, who was designated for assignment after struggling to a 3-10 record in 16 starts for Los Angeles this season.

7/3/2006

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Los Angeles' Guerrero was selected to his seventh All-Star team on Sunday, as the starting right fielder for the American League. Guerrero is batting .293 with 17 homers and 58 RBIs this season.

7/2/2006

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson had two hits on Saturday night against the Dodgers to reach 2,000 for his career. The Angels left fielder had been mired in an 8-for-56 slump before hitting a two-run double and a single in the Angels' 9-2 victory. He is hitting .263 with seven homers and 46 RBIs this season.

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Cabrera had a double in the Angels' 4-0 victory on Sunday to extend his streak of reaching base safely to 59 straight games, the longest streak since 1960. He's reached base via a hit, a walk, or hit by a pitch in every game since April 24. The major league record is 84 games by Ted Williams.

John Lackey, laa

Lackey matched his career high with 10 strikeouts and pitched 6 2-3 scoreless innings as the Angels beat the Dodgers 4-0 on Sunday. Lackey allowed just four hits and matched his strikeout total from three previous starts, the most recent on July 17, 2005, against Minnesota.

Jered Weaver, laa

Weaver, recalled from Triple-A on Friday, will start for the Angels on Monday night at Seattle. Weaver takes the spot of his older brother Jeff, who was designated for assignment. The younger Weaver went 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four major league starts after being called up on May 26, but was sent back down on June 17 to make room for Bartolo Colon.

6/30/2006

Jered Weaver, laa

Weaver was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, taking the roster spot of his older brother Jeff, who was designated for assignment by the Angels. Jered was 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four starts after being called up on May 26, but was sent back to the minors on June 17 to make room for Bartolo Colon.

6/25/2006

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Cabrera went 2-for-6 in the Angels' 6-4, 13-inning win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday to extend his streak of reaching base safely to 52 consecutive games.

Dallas McPherson, laa

The Angels placed McPherson on the 15-day disabled list Saturday due to back spasms, retroactive to June 22. McPherson was scratched from the lineup Friday after his back tightened in batting practice. The Los Angeles third baseman is hitting .266 with six homers and 12 RBIs in 36 games since he was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on May 9.

6/24/2006

Darin Erstad, laa

The Angels placed Erstad on the 15-day disabled list Friday for the second time this season with a right ankle injury. The move is retroactive to June 18, when Erstad left in the fourth inning of a 7-3 loss to the San Diego Padres. Erstad also was on the DL from May 1-June 11 with right ankle irritation.

6/21/2006

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero had a single in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Giants, snapping an 0-for-16 skid. It was his only hit in five at-bats and his first hit in four games. The outfielder's average was .322 on June 10, but has dropped to .296 with the recent skid. He does have 16 homers and 54 RBIs to lead the Angels.

6/13/2006

Darin Erstad, laa

Erstad was activated from the disabled list on Monday after being sidelined since May 1 because of irritation in his right ankle. The Los Angeles Angels center fielder is hitting .238 with no homer runs and four RBIs in 80 at-bats. "It's at the point where you say, `Can you help the team win?' And I'm at that point," Erstad said.

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon struggled in his third minor league rehab start, giving up six earned runs and nine hits. He struck out one and hit a batter, but did not walk anyone. The Los Angeles Angels ace has been on the disabled since April 19 with inflammation in his right shoulder.

6/10/2006

Bartolo Colon, laa

The Angels said on Friday that Colon will make one more minor league appearance before the team will decide what to do with the right-hander. The 2005 AL Cy Young winner is recovering from a shoulder injury that put him on the disabled list on April 19. "I think he feels good about where he is, but he's not quite where he feels he wants to be before he goes back on the mound," manager Mike Scioscia said.

6/3/2006

Darin Erstad, laa

Erstad made his first rehab appearance as a designated hitter at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday night. The Angels outfielder was 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. He is scheduled to play center field for -A Salt Lake City on Saturday and will return to the Angels next week if there are no setbacks from a bone bruise on his right ankle.

6/1/2006

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon pitched four shutout innings on Thursday for Class A Rancho Cucamonga of the California League in his first rehab start since going on the disabled listed on April 19. Colon threw 47 pitches and retired eight straight batters at one point."The arm's not bothering me at all, so I just want to take it easy, and hopefully the injury won't come back," Colon said through a translator. "I just have to go out and throw my pitches."

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar and the Angels agreed to a $28.5 million, three-year contract extension that runs through 2008. The Angels right-hander underwent surgery June 29 to shave down a bone spur and remove a bone chip in the elbow. When he returned, he was moved to the bullpen.

5/26/2006

Jered Weaver, laa

Weaver was recalled by the Angels from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, as Esteban Yan was designated for assignment. The highly touted right-hander is expected to make his major-league debut for Los Angeles against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday.

5/8/2006

Darin Erstad, laa

The Angels placed Erstad on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a sore right ankle. He hasn't played since being scratched from the Angels' starting lineup on May 1. Erstad has struggled this season. He is batting .238 without a homer in 22 games. He has just eight extra-base hits (seven doubles and a triple), has scored eight runs and knocked in only four.

Juan Rivera, laa

The Angels on Monday placed outfielder Darin Erstad on the 15-day disabled list and activated Rivera from the DL to take his roster spot. Rivera has been out since April 16 with a rib cage injury. In 12 games this season, Rivera is batting .229 with two home runs and five RBIs.

5/5/2006

John Lackey, laa

Lackey has been fined but not suspended for his role in a bench-clearing incident between the Angels and Athletics on Tuesday. Lackey exchanged words with Oakland's Jason Kendall before the A's catcher charged the mound and tackled him. Kendall was suspended four games.

5/4/2006

Chris Bootcheck, laa

The Los Angeles Angels placed Bootcheck on the 15-day disabled list Thursday. The right-hander strained his left hamstring running from the bullpen to the mound during the Angels' brawl with the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

Jeff Mathis, laa

The Los Angeles Angels optioned Mathis to Triple-A Salt Lake Wednesday and recalled catcher Mike Napoli to replace him on the 25-man roster. Mathis, one of the top catching prospects in the game, was batting .103 (4-for-39) in 12 games this season, including a home run and two RBIs. He had gone hitless in his last 16 at-bats.

Mike Napoli, laa

Napoli, who was recalled by the Angels when top catching prospect was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake Wednesday, hit a home run in his first major league at-bat on Thursday. The rookie catcher became the 92nd player in big league history -- and the third Angel -- to homer in his trip to the plate in the Angels' 7-2 victory over Detroit. He went 1-for-4 on the day.

5/3/2006

John Lackey, laa

In the sixth inning of the Angels' 10-3 loss to Oakland Tuesday, Lackey threw a pitch to A's catcher Jason Kendall that started out high and inside, then sharply broke back toward the plate. After Kendall commented on the pitch location and Lackey told him not to lean over the plate, the catcher charged the mound and the two wrestled near the hill.

4/25/2006

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana worked six scoreless innings and struck out 10 in the Angels' 3-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday. The victory snapped the Tigers' five-game winning streak and marked the first double-digit strikeout effort of Santana's career.

4/24/2006

Maicer Izturis, laa

Izturis was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a strained left hamstring. The Angels' infielder was hurt on a steal attempt in the second inning Sunday in a 4-3 victory at Oakland. Izturis is hitting .333 with eight runs scored in 12 games.

Howie Kendrick, laa

The Los Angeles Angels placed Macier Izturis on the 15-day disabled list Monday and recalled Kendrick from Triple-A Salt Lake. One of the top hitting prospects in the game, Kendrick was batting 386 with eight doubles, 11 runs and 13 RBIs in 16 games for Salt Lake.

4/23/2006

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera was placed on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his rib cage. He sat out last Monday's game at Baltimore and hasn't played since. The right fielder was hitting .229 with two homers and five RBIs in 12 games this season.

4/20/2006

Bartolo Colon, laa

The Los Angeles Angels placed Colon on the disabled list Wednesday with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. The American League's reigning Cy Young Award winner was examined by Twins physician Dr. John Steubs Tuesday and had an MRI exam Wednesday before the move was made, retroactive to Sunday. Right-hander Hector Carrasco will take Colon's turn in the Angels' rotation on Thursday.

4/19/2006

Tim Salmon, laa

Salmon, who tweaked a groin muscle against Baltimore Sunday, may miss another game or two. That's the word from Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who told the Angels' Web site that the veteran outfielder was doing better on Monday. He sat out Tuesday's 8-2 win over Minnesota.

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera was expected to bat fifth as the Angels' designated hitter in Tuesday's 8-2 win over Minnesota Tuesday. But he was a late scratch after feeling tightness in his rib cage during warmups. The DH-outfielder is day-to-day.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

The Los Angeles Angels' Web site is reporting that Rodriguez is doing much better after suffering a cramp in his right hamstring on Sunday. Reportedly he is ready to return to ninth-inning duties for the Angels, who didn't need him in an 8-2 win over Minnesota on Tuesday.

4/17/2006

Tim Salmon, laa

Salmon "tweaked" a groin muscle early in the Angels' win over Baltimore on Sunday, and he had to leave in the fourth inning after running out a hit. The Angels' Web site reports that Salmon is day-to-day.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez left in the ninth inning of the Angels' win over Baltimore on Sunday with a "little cramp" in his hamstring. The Angels' Web site reports that the cramp softened up soon after the game ended. The Los Angeles closer is day-to-day.

4/11/2006

John Lackey, laa

Lackey allowed two earned runs and four hits, striking out eight, in seven innings of the Angels' 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Monday.

4/5/2006

John Lackey, laa

Lackey and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have come to terms on a two-year contract extension that locks up the right-hander through 2008. The terms of the deal haven't been released, but it includes a club option for 2009.

3/23/2006

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson, who has been out more than two weeks with a strained left arch, may return to the Angels' lineup Thursday as the team's designated hitter. The veteran outfielder will see some action in the DH slot before returning to the outfield.

3/21/2006

Jeff Mathis, laa

The Los Angeles Times reports that Mathis took a pitch off the outside of his left hand Monday in a Triple-A game at the San Francisco Giants' complex. The Angels' catching prospect left the game after he was hit in the fifth inning, and his hand swelled immediately.

3/19/2006

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon, last season's American League Cy Young Award winner, is in line to start Opening Day for the Angels. He allowed one run in 14 innings while helping the Dominican Republic advance to the inaugural World Baseball Classic's semifinals.

3/11/2006

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero affirmed Friday he will not play in the World Baseball Classic. The Angels outfielder backed out of the inaugural event after the death of three of his first cousins in a car accident in the Dominican Republic. Guerrero, the 2004 AL MVP, would have made a Dominican lineup even stronger.

2/27/2006

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero will be given Monday off from spring training activities after three of his first cousins were killed in an auto accident in the Dominican Republic Sunday. It's likely that the 2004 AL MVP will be back in camp Tuesday, as he is just days away from leaving the Angels to play in the World Baseball Classic.

1/19/2006

Brendan Donnelly, laa

Donnelly and the Angels agreed on a $950,000, one-year contract on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration. The right-handed reliever went 9-3 with a 3.72 ERA in a career-high 65 appearances last season.

1/18/2006

Scot Shields, laa

The Angels agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million deal with Shields on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration. Shields went 10-11 with a 2.75 ERA and seven saves in 2005. The setup man appeared in a club-record 78 games.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez and the Angels agreed on a $3,775,000, one-year deal on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration. The Los Angeles closer tied for the AL lead in saves with 45 in 2005, along with a 2-5 record and 2.67 ERA in his first full season as the Angels' top reliever.

1/17/2006

Jose Molina, laa

Molina agreed to a two-year, $2.1 million deal with the Angels on Monday. The catcher, who backs up his brother Bengie with Los Angeles, hit .228 with six home runs and 25 RBIs in 184 at-bats last season. He appeared in 75 games.

John Lackey, laa

Lackey and the Angels avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a $3.76 million, one-year contract on Monday. Lackey was 14-5 with a 3.44 ERA and 199 strikeouts in 33 starts last season.

1/15/2006

Juan Rivera, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Rivera came to terms Saturday on a two-year, $3.3 million deal. The outfielder, who batted .271 with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs in 106 games in his first year with the Angels, will make $1.25 million in 2006. His salary jumps to just over $2 million in 2007.

Chone Figgins, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim made a long-term commitment to Figgins Saturday. They signed the speedy infielder-outfielder to a three-year, $10.5 million deal. In 2005, Figgins batted .290 with a .352 on-base percentage, 25 doubles, 10 triples and 113 runs scored in 158 games.

12/2/2005

Hector Carrasco, laa

Carrasco signed a $6.1 million, two-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Friday, with a club option for 2008. The 36-year-old righthander spent 2005 with the Washington Nationals, moving from the bullpen to the starting rotation. He made 59 relief appearances and was 1-1 with a 2.03 ERA in five starts for the Nationals.

11/8/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

In a lopsided vote, Colon claimed the American League Cy Young Award on Tuesday. The Angels' right-hander became the franchise's first Cy Young winner since Dean Chance claimed the honor in 1964. The league leader with 21 wins, Colon was listed first or second on all 28 ballots. He finished 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA in 33 starts for the Angels, who depended on the right-hander to win the AL West in 2005.

10/13/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

An MRI exam of Colon's right shoulder revealed no structural damage, but the Angels' ace has suffered a muscle strain in the back of the shoulder. He will receive treatment for the injury for a few days before he is re-evaluated.

10/11/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon has been left off the Los Angeles Angels roster for the American League Championship Series against the Chicago White Sox. The Angels' ace left his ALDS Game 5 start against the New York Yankees on Monday, after only 23 pitches, because of inflammation in his right shoulder. He was 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA this season.

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana was called upon in Monday's Game 5 of the ALDS against New York, after starter Bartolo Colon was forced to leave the game in the second inning. The rookie righthander garnered the victory, working 5.1 innings of relief and giving up five hits and three earned runs.

9/30/2005

John Lackey, laa

Angels' manager Mike Scioscia has flip-flopped his pitching rotation. John Lackey will make the start on Friday night as opposed to Saturday night, in order to get him in line to start the Angels' second game of the playoffs. Jarrod Washburn, who was scheduled for Friday's start, will now start Saturday in Lackey's place.

9/26/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon was roughed up for three home runs and six runs over five innings Sunday against Tampa Bay, but the Angels' righthander will come back on three days' rest to face division rival Oakland on Thursday. He enters Thursday's start with a 20-8 mark and 3.51 ERA in 32 outings.

9/21/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon ended a streak of 30 straight seasons without a 20-game winner on the Angels' staff, when the 32-year-old righthander went seven innings for a key 2-1 win over Texas. He gave up one unearned run and four hits, struck out four and walked none to push his record to 20-7 with a 3.34 ERA. With their fourth straight win, the Angels stayed 1.5 games up on Oakland in the American League West.

9/16/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Thursday brought good news and bad news for Guerrero. The Angels' star homered in his first two at-bats against Detroit -- giving him 31 homers and 101 RBI on the year -- but the right fielder had to leave in the sixth inning of an 8-6 loss with a jammed left shoulder. He was hurt trying to make a diving catch of Vance Wilson's double, injuring the same shoulder he dislocated in May.

Bartolo Colon, laa

On Thursday, the Detroit Tigers roughed up Colon in his first bid for his 20th win of 2005. The Angels' righthander allowed nine hits and seven earned runs over five innings, taking the loss and falling to 19-7 with a 3.46 ERA for the season. The loss allowed Oakland to pull into a first-place tie with Los Angeles in the American League West.

9/14/2005

Chone Figgins, laa

Figgins, who stole his 50th base of the season on Sunday, has hit safely in all 12 games the Angels have played in September. Batting leadoff and mostly playing center field and third base, Figgins is 16-for-47 (.340) for the month, with two doubles, two homers and nine runs scored. He also has stolen five bases in six attempts.

9/13/2005

Joe Saunders, laa

With veteran lefty Jarrod Washburn battling forearm tendinitis, the Angels will give the ball to Saunders on Wednesday night. The 24-year-old rookie lefthander will make his second big league start against Seattle. He made his major league debut in mid-August, limiting Toronto to two runs over 7.1 innings, but he didn't get a win for his quality outing.

9/12/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Despite recent discomfort in his back, Colon worked six innings of two-run ball on Saturday to defeat the Chicago White Sox for his 19th victory of the season. The Angels' righthander improved to 19-6 with a 3.23 ERA in 29 starts.

9/9/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

It's now more likely that Colon will be ready to face the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The Angels' ace has been bothered by a painful back ailment, which forced him to leave his Sunday start against Seattle. The righthander has made progress this week and looks good to go.

9/8/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon is scheduled to vie for his 19th win of 2005 on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox, the team with the best record in baseball. That start is up in the air, however, as the Angels' righthander still is plagued by a painful back condition that forced him out of his 18th win on Sunday.

9/7/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

In his first major league appearance since June 8, Escobar worked 1.2 innings of scoreless relief for the Angels on Tuesday. The 29-year-old righthander made his first relief appearance since the 2003 season, when he recorded four saves in 15 games as a reliever. He became a full-time starter in mid-May that season.

9/6/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim activated Escobar from the disabled list on Monday. The 29-year-old righthander, who underwent June 29 surgery to shave a bone spur and remove a bone chip from his pitching elbow, has made just seven starts this season. He has endured three trips to the DL for his elbow, and he is 2-2 with a 3.54 ERA.

Jeff Mathis, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim recalled Mathis on Monday. One of the top catching prospects in the game, Mathis was 0-for-2 in three games during a mid-August stint with the Angels. At Triple-A Salt Lake this season, the 22-year-old prospect batted .276 with 21 home runs and 73 RBI in 112 games.

9/5/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon picked up his 18th win on Sunday, but had to be removed after five innings due to a sore back. He lasted five innings and gave up just two runs while striking out five before leaving the game. The Angels' ace has been dealing with pain all week, but knew he could get through five innings. He should be healthy enough to make his next start, but it may also be cut short if massage treatment this week does not completely cure the problem.

9/2/2005

Ervin Santana, laa

In the rubber game of the three-game set between the Angels and Athletics Thursday, Santana blanked Oakland on six hits over eight innings to push the Angels back into a first-place tie atop the American League West. The 22-year-old rookie didn't walk a batter and fanned four in the Angels' 3-0 victory.

8/31/2005

Jason Christiansen, laa

The Angels have traded for Christiansen, sending minor league pitchers Dusty Bergman and Ronnie Ray to San Francisco. The lefthander will provide some bullpen depth as the Angels continue to battle for the AL West and wild card playoff spots. In 56 games, he is 6-1 with a 5.36 ERA in 42 innings pitched.

8/30/2005

Darin Erstad, laa

Erstad has been asked by Angels manager Mike Scioscia to start stretching out his arm for a possible return to the outfield. The request is fueling speculation that the Angels will move struggling center fielder Steve Finley to the bench, replacing him with Erstad and creating an opening for top prospect Casey Kotchman at first base.

Casey Kotchman, laa

First baseman Darin Erstad has been asked by Angels manager Mike Scioscia to start stretching out his arm for a possible return to the outfield. The request is fueling speculation that the Angels will move struggling center fielder Steve Finley to the bench, replacing him with Erstad and creating an opening for Kotchman at first base.

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson has opted for surgery on a bone spur in his left hip that has caused him to miss 42 games since being played on the disabled list July 8. The decision means that his year is over and he finishes with a .244 average and eight home runs in just 61 games.

8/26/2005

Jason Bulger, laa

Bulger has been recalled from Triple-A Tucson by the Arizona Diamondbacks, filling the roster spot of the struggling Greg Aquino. In 56 games with the minor league club this season, Bulger, a righthander, was 3-6 with a 3.54 ERA and four saves.

8/25/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon became the American League's first 17-game winner Wednesday when he defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 3-1. He went 8.2 innings, losing a shutout in the ninth, allowing five hits and one walk.

8/23/2005

Robb Quinlan, laa

Quinlan was activated from the 15-day disabled list, taking the spot on the roster vacated by Greg Jones. Quinlan is hitting .159 with one home run and three RBI in 63 at bats this year.

8/22/2005

Greg Jones, laa

Jones was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake, apparently in anticipation of Garret Anderson's return to the Angels' active roster.

8/21/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson's ailing back and left knee have shown improvement over the past couple of days, and the Angels are optimistic that he will be able to return to the lineup during the team's upcoming three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, which begins on Tuesday. The veteran outfielder has been sidelined with the injuries for more than a week.

8/19/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson missed his fifth straight game Thursday, and there is no indication that he will be returning to the lineup in the immediate future.Tests have revealed tendinitis in his left knee and irritation in the sacroiliac joint.

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon won his 16th game of the season, tying him with Jon Garland of the White Sox for the American League high, when he defeated the Boston Red Sox Thursday, 13-4.

Juan Rivera, laa

Rivera went 4-for-5, including two home runs, and drove in six runs in the Angels' 13-4 pasting of the Boston Red Sox Thursday. In nine games dating back to August 6, he is hitting .455, with a .526 on base percentage and .788 slugging.

Casey Kotchman, laa

Kotchman homered among his three hits in the Angels' 13-4 win over the Boston Red Sox Thursday, scoring three times while driving in two. Since his recall on August 4, he has hit .297 with five home runs and nine RBI, good for a .703 slugging percentage.

Dallas McPherson, laa

It appears that McPherson's rookie campaign may be at an end. The inflammation in his left hip has been diagnosed as being caused by a bone spur that will require season-ending surgery. He'll seek a second opinion, but it it likely that he has played his last game for 2005.

8/17/2005

Greg Jones, laa

After a 4-3 loss to Toronto Tuesday, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim optioned lefthander Joe Saunders, Tuesday night's starter, back to Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled Jones from the same affiliate. In 19 relief appearances for Salt Lake, Jones was 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 20.2 innings.

Joe Saunders, laa

Saunders allowed just two runs and five hits over 7.1 innings in his major league debut against Toronto Tuesday, but he was gone when the Jays claimed a 4-3 win over the Angels with a two-run rally in the ninth. The 12th overall pick in the 2002 draft, the 24-year-old lefty retired 13 of the first 14 batters he faced.

8/16/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson, who's been slowed by a sore back and patellar tendinitis in his left knee in recent days, was held out of the Angels' lineup on Monday. It's possible that the veteran outfielder will be ready to play on Tuesday, but that's not certain.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar, who worked a 17-minute bullpen session Friday in Seattle, threw batting practice prior to the Angels' 5-4 win over Toronto on Monday. The Angels' righthander is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Thursday or Friday this week. If all goes well, Escobar, who underwent June 29 surgery to shave a bone spur and remove a bone chip from his pitching elbow, should begin a minor league rehab assignment next week.

Jeff Mathis, laa

After Paul Byrd experienced back spasms over the weekend, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have recalled prospect Joe Saunders to make Byrd's Tuesday start. They optioned Mathis to Triple-A Salt Lake to clear space on the roster for Saunders. In his first taste of the majors, Mathis went 0-for-2 in three games.

Dallas McPherson, laa

Sidelined by inflammation in his left hip, McPherson was shut down late last week because of stiffness in his back. Further examination revealed that the discomfort was being generated from McPherson's ailing hip, and the Angels will wait for the inflammation to clear up before stepping up his rehab work.

Joe Saunders, laa

With Paul Byrd experiencing back spasms over the weekend, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim recalled Saunders to start for Byrd Tuesday against Toronto. To open the door to Saunders' major league debut, the Angels optioned top catching prospect Jeff Mathis to Triple-A Salt Lake.

8/14/2005

Bartolo Colon, laa

Colon captured his 15th win of the year Saturday, allowing four hits and one run in eight innings of a 9-1 win over the Seattle Mariners, lowering his ERA to 3.44 in the process.

8/12/2005

Chris Bootcheck, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Friday activated veteran southpaw Jarrod Washburn from the disabled list and optioned Bootcheck to Triple-A Salt Lake. In three stints with the Angels this season, the 26-year-old righthander is 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA and a save in two starts and three relief appearances.

Jeff Mathis, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim put backup catcher Josh Paul on the 15-day disabled list Friday and recalled Mathis. The 22-year-old Mathis, the Angels' prized catching prospect, was batting .282 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI in 94 games for Triple-A Salt Lake.

8/11/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson aggravated the tendinitis in his right knee while making a sliding catch Tuesday in the Angels' win over the Oakland Athletics. The Angels' left fielder didn't start on Wednesday or Thursday against the A's to rest the knee. Manager Mike Scioscia thought Anderson might be back for Thursday's afternoon contest, but he decided to give his left fielder another day of rest.

8/8/2005

Darin Erstad, laa

Erstad missed the Angels' entire weekend series with Tampa Bay because of inflammation in his right hip. The Angels' first baseman was doing better by Sunday, and it was thought he would start the series finale, but manager Mike Scioscia decided to give Erstad an extra day of rest with Monday being an off day.

Casey Kotchman, laa

Kotchman, a top-flight hitting prospect in the Angels' system, stroked two home runs, including his first major league grand slam, and drove in five runs in the Angels' 10-4 victory over Tampa Bay Sunday. The 22-year-old first baseman connected on his first big league dinger on Friday, and he went 4-for-8 with three homers, four runs scored and six RBI in the weekend series with the Devil Rays, playing for the injured Darin Erstad.

8/5/2005

Casey Kotchman, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim placed lefthander Jarrod Washburn on the 15-day disabled list Thursday and recalled Kotchman from Triple-A Salt Lake. A premier hitting prospect, Kotchman was batting .289 with 10 home runs and 58 RBI in 94 games for Salt Lake. The first baseman's hitting percentages there were .289/.372/.441.

7/30/2005

Chris Bootcheck, laa

Bootcheck will be recalled by the Angels from Triple-A Salt Lake in time to start Sunday's game against the New York Yankees. Bootcheck has thrown nine scoreless innings in three games with the Angels this season.

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson is expected to begin a minor league rehabilitation stint with the Angels' Rookie League team in Arizona early next week. McPherson is hitting .244 with eight home runs for the Angels on the year.

7/25/2005

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson is to report to the Angels' spring training complex in Arizona, where he will take batting practice on Monday. His Monday session will be his first live batting practice since going on the disabled list a little more than two weeks ago for inflammation in his left hip.

7/21/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar played catch Wednesday for the first time since his June 29 surgery to shave a bone spur and remove a bone chip from his right elbow. The Angels' righthander still is at least a month away from returning to action. He is 2-2 with a 3.54 ERA in seven starts this season, with three trips to the disabled list since the start of April because of elbow problems.

7/19/2005

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson is progressing rapidly in his recovery from inflammation in his left hip. The Angels' rookie third baseman, who went on the disabled list on July 8, is expected to resume hitting and other baseball activities in a matter of a few days.

7/18/2005

Curtis Pride, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim optioned Pride to Triple-A Salt Lake over the weekend, as they needed to make room for the return of starting shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the disabled list. Pride was 0-for-2 in his second stint with the Angels, and he is 1-for-8 (.125) with a double in seven games for the major league club this season.

Orlando Cabrera, laa

The Los Angeles Angels activated Cabrera from the disabled list over the weekend, and the 30-year-old shortstop returned to action for Saturday's 5-4 loss to Minnesota. He went 3-for-4 with a double on Saturday. For the season, Cabrera is batting .251 with a .301 on-base percentage in 72 games.

7/11/2005

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Last week, Angels manager Mike Scioscia indicated that Cabrera was on pace to be activated from the 15-day disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. However, the shortstop continues to be bothered by discomfort in his elbow and an exact timetable for his return has not been set. Reportedly, the pain is caused by floating bone chips, and surgery might be the only option.

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Angels manager Mike Scioscia indicated that Cabrera is still on pace to be activated from the 15-day disabled list shortly after the All-Star break, despite lingering discomfort in his right elbow. Reportedly, the shortstop had been considering surgery to remove floating bone chips from the joint, but now he'll only go under the knife if the problem gets worse.

7/9/2005

Dallas McPherson, laa

The Angels have placed third baseman Dallas McPherson on the 15-day disabled list after an MRI revealed swelling in his left hip. It is unclear exactly how long McPherson will be out, however, Chone Figgins will replace him at third base for the time being.

7/7/2005

Orlando Cabrera, laa

According to Angels manager Mike Scioscia, Cabrera should be ready to be activated when eligible immediately after the All-Star break. The shortstop, who has been sidelined since late June with a strained right elbow, has resumed throwing without any major problems. He will be evaluated on a daily basis.

7/3/2005

Curtis Pride, laa

On Saturday, Pride was recalled for a second time this season by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This time he takes the roster spot of starting shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who went on the disabled list for an elbow ailment. With the Angels, Pride is 1-for-6 (.167) with a double and a stint of his own on the DL with a wrist sprain. He will be a backup in the outfield.

Orlando Cabrera, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim placed Cabrera on the 15-day disbled list Saturday with a strained right elbow following their 5-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The shortstop's swollen elbow has been a source of discomfort and fluid buildup for close to two weeks, and the move is retroactive to June 27. The Angels recalled Curtis Pride to replace Cabrera on the 25-man roster.

Maicer Izturis, laa

Izturis should get most of the starts for the Angels after the team put starting shortstop Orlando Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with an elbow ailment. Izturis has been playing regularly while Cabrera has been nursing the injury over the last two weeks, and he's batted .419 (18-for-43) with five doubles and eight RBI in 11 games since June 20.

7/1/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

While the Texas Rangers were throttling Angels hurlers for eight home runs on Thursday, Guerrero collected a homer of his own -- a third-inning solo shot off Rangers rookie Chris Young. The Angels' right fielder extended his hitting streak against Texas to 31 games. Facing the Rangers, Guerrero is a .438 hitter (56-for-128) with 13 doubles, 13 homers and an .844 slugging mark in 31 contests.

Robb Quinlan, laa

Quinlan, recalled on Tuesday of last week, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday after an MRI revealed a mild disc bulge in his neck and inflammation in his left shoulder. Quinlan had been called up to take the place of injured infielder Dallas McPherson, however, now Quinlan will be replaced on the roster by right-handed pitcher Kevin Gregg.

Robb Quinlan, laa

Quinlan, recalled on Tuesday of last week, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday after an MRI revealed a mild disc bulge in his neck and inflammation in his left shoulder. The Angels recalled Quinlan to take the place of injured infielder Dallas McPherson, however, now Quinlan will be replaced on the roster by righthanded pitcher Kevin Gregg.

6/30/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero's hitting streak against Texas has reached 30 games, after the Angels' right fielder collected a homer and two singles in a 7-6 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday night. He is a lifetime .435 hitter (54-for-124) in his 30 games against Texas, with 13 doubles, 12 homers, 28 runs scored, 26 RBI and an .831 slugging mark.

Brendan Donnelly, laa

Donnelly had his suspension for having pine tar on his glove during a game reduced to eight days Thursday by Major League Baseball. The original suspension was for 10 days, and the Angels' reliever will begin serving his time on Friday.

Dallas McPherson, laa

After missing three games with a left groin strain, McPherson delivered a two-out, two-run pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning Wednesday to pull the Angels into a tie with the Texas Rangers. The blast went for naught, as the Rangers pulled out a 7-6 victory in the 11th inning.

6/29/2005

Curtis Pride, laa

With the Angels needing an extra infielder because of injuries to Orlando Cabrera and Dallas McPherson, the team recalled Robb Quinlan and designated Pride for assignment on Tuesday. Pride was recalled five weeks ago, but he spent three weeks on the disabled list with a wrist injury. He was 1-for-6 with a double in five games for the Angels.

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson stroked an 11th-inning grand slam Tuesday night to propel the Angels to a 5-1 win over Texas. The key hit, a hard liner that barely cleared the right-field wall, was the second time in three days that Anderson has produced the game-winner. An eighth-inning, two-run double by the veteran outfielder on Sunday gave the Angels a 5-3 victory over the Dodgers.

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero doubled home the game's first run in the first inning of the Angels' 5-1, 11-inning victory over Texas on Tuesday. With the hit, the Angels' right fielder extended his hitting streak against Texas to 29 games. He has hit safely in every game he has played against the Rangers, and he's 51-for-119 (.429) facing Texas hurlers. Guerrero has slugged .815 against them, with 13 doubles and 11 homers in 29 games.

Robb Quinlan, laa

With Orlando Cabrera and Dallas McPherson nursing injuries while active, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim recalled Quinlan Tuesday to give the team an extra infielder. Quinlan, who can play first or third base as well as in the outfield, has spent most of the season with the Angels, batting .172 in 58 at-bats. He was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake 10 days ago and batted .238 there with one home run in five contests.

6/28/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero extended his hitting streak against Texas to 28 games on Monday night. The Angels' star stroked a pair of RBI doubles and a solo homer in a 13-3 romp over the Rangers, pushing his career average against them to .431 (50-for-116). With 12 doubles and 11 homers in those 28 games, Guerrero has a slugging mark of .819 against Texas.

Orlando Cabrera, laa

After returning to the Angels' lineup over the weekend, Cabrera sat out again Monday because his ailing right elbow flared up again. He will miss a few days, possibly more, after the elbow swelled. An MRI exam on Monday revealed a fluid buildup, but no structural damage.

Juan Rivera, laa

As a part-time DH-outfielder, Rivera has played in just eight of the Angels' last 17 games. After going 4-for-5 with three doubles at Texas on Monday night, Rivera is 11-for-19 (.579) in those eight games in which he has appeared. His 11 hits include five doubles and two homers, and he has scored five runs and driven in seven.

Dallas McPherson, laa

On Monday night, McPherson missed a second straight game with a tight left groin that forced him to leave the Angels' win over the Dodgers Saturday. While McPherson hasn't swung a bat since he suffered the injury, the 24-year-old third baseman hopes to take some cuts on Tuesday and return to the Angels' lineup by Thursday.

6/27/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

With a two-run double in the eighth inning Sunday, breaking a 3-3 tie and propelling the Angels to a 5-3 victory over the Dodgers, Anderson collected the 1,000th RBI of his major league career. The veteran outfielder, who turns 33 on Thursday, gave the Angels a sweep of their three-game interleague series with the Dodgers and extended their winning streak to a season-high six games.

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson didn't play for the Angels Sunday because of a tight left groin that caused him to leave Saturday night's game after the seventh inning. The rookie third baseman is considered day-to-day, as the injury is believed to be minor. He is batting .239 with seven home runs and 23 RBI in 54 games this season.

6/26/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

It was decided that Escobar would undergo arthroscopic surgery to shave down a bone spur in his pitching elbow after an examination by team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum on Saturday. The Angels' 29-year-old righthander is expected to be out at least two months. Escobar is 2-2 with a 3.54 ERA in seven starts this season. He has been on the disabled list three times since the start of April because of elbow problems.

6/24/2005

Orlando Cabrera, laa

After missing three games this week with an inflamed right elbow, Cabrera is expected back in the Angels' lineup Friday night, when the team takes on the Dodgers in Anaheim. The Angels' shortstop is batting .249 with a .299 on-base percentage in 68 games this season.

Brendan Donnelly, laa

Donnelly, who was suspended 10 games by Major League Baseball a week ago for having pine tar on his glove during a game, will have his appeal heard next Friday in Kansas City. The righthanded reliever doesn't have to serve his suspension until his appeal has been heard, so he has continued to pitch for the Angels. In 29 appearances this season, Donnelly is 4-2 with a 4.22 ERA.

6/23/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero had two hits in five at-bats Wednesday to extend his hitting streak against the Texas Rangers to 27 games, the longest by any active player against one team. The Angels' right fielder has hit safely in all 27 games he has played against Texas, batting .420 (47-for-112) with 10 doubles, 10 homers and 21 RBI.

6/22/2005

Curtis Pride, laa

Pride has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Angels, filling the roster spot of veteran Steve Finley, who is expected to miss the next couple of weeks with a sore right shoulder. Pride missed nearly a month with a wrist injury.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar reported being pain-free after working through all of his pitches during a bullpen session on Tuesday. The righthander, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a bone spur in his pitching elbow, hopes to return to the Angels' starting rotation around the All-Star break. Escobar will play long toss over the next couple of days, and barring any setbacks, he'll pitch a simulated game on Friday.

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Although he should be available for pinch-hitting duties, Cabrera likely won't return to the Angels' starting lineup until at least Friday, according to manager Mike Scioscia. The shortstop has missed the team's last two games with a sore right elbow.

6/21/2005

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Cabrera was on the bench for the Angels' 5-1 win over Texas Monday. The Angels' shortstop was scratched with a right elbow that was too sore to swing a bat or throw. He is day-to-day.

6/19/2005

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana will have his start pushed up to Sunday when the Angels face off against the Marlins. Santana, who is already filling in for the injured Kelvim Escobar, will switch spots in the rotation with Paul Byrd to allow the veteran an extra day to rest his sore triceps muscle.

6/17/2005

Brendan Donnelly, laa

On Friday, Donnelly was suspended 10 games by Major League Baseball for having pine tar on his glove during Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals. The 33-year-old righthander, who was ejected without throwing a pitch, appealed the suspension and will play for the Angels until his case is heard. He is 4-2 with a 4.34 ERA in 26 relief appearances this season.

6/15/2005

Brendan Donnelly, laa

Donnelly was ejected for having a foreign substance in his glove when he entered the Angels' Tuesday night game against the Washington Nationals. Washington manager Frank Robinson asked to have Donnelly's glove inspected when the righthander came on in the seventh inning, before he had thrown a pitch. The move led to Robinson and Angels manager Mike Scioscia verbaly sparring on the field, and both benches emptied briefly without incident.

6/14/2005

Casey Kotchman, laa

In order to make room for Tuesday's starting pitcher, top prospect Ervin Santana, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim optioned Kotchman back to Triple-A Salt Lake after Monday's 11-1 romp over the Washington Nationals. While Kotchman didn't strike out in seven games during his major league stint, he went 0-for-10 with only a pair of walks to give him at least one hitting percentage that isn't made up of zeroes.

Kendry Morales, laa

Morales, the Cuban exile who was delayed in starting his North American career while waiting for Dominican citizenship, has been promoted to Double-A Arkansas after just 22 games at high Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. In high Class-A ball, the 21-year-old Morales batted .344 with five homers and 17 RBI.

Ervin Santana, laa

After the Angels' 11-1 victory over Washington Monday, the team recalled Santana to make Tuesday's start against the Nationals. The 22-year-old righthander was 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in a pair of starts for the Angels in mid-May. In his second outing on May 23, Santana tossed a five-hit shutout over the Chicago White Sox.

6/10/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

As anticipated, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim activated Guerrero from the disabled list before Friday's showdown with the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. The star right fielder is returning from a partially dislocated left shoulder. He is batting .303 with seven homers and 24 RBI in 41 games for the Angels.

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

As expected the Angels have activated outfielder Vladamir Guerrero from the disabled list on Friday. Guerrero went on the DL after separating his shoulder when he slid into home plate on May 20 against the Dodgers. To make room for Guerrero, the team placed right handed starter Kelvim Escobar back on the 15-day DL.

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Returning to the Angels' lineup for the first time since May 20, Guerrero went 3-for-5 and scored three runs in a 12-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday. The Angels' right fielder was on the disabled list for a partially dislocated left shoulder. He's now batting .312 with seven homers and 24 RBI in 41 games this season.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar was placed back on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a bone spur in his throwing elbow. Angels officials say that the injury is causing Escobar significant pain in his right arm. Although Escobar has been taking anti-inflammatory medication for a month, it seems to not be helping with the pain. His return time table is unknown.

6/9/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero had another impressive batting practice session on Wednesday, and it's all but certain that the Angels' star will be back in action Friday, when Los Angeles opens a weekend series in New York against the Mets. Guerrero, who has been out with a partially dislocated left shoulder since May 21, is batting .303 with seven homers and 24 RBI in 41 games for the Angels.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar may be headed back to the disabled list for a bone spur that is causing significant pain in the righthander's throwing elbow. The discomfort is as bad as ever, and a trip to the DL appears inevitable. The Angels could make the move when Vladimir Guerrero is activated from the DL for this weekend's interleague series in New York against the Mets.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

An MRI exam has been scheduled for Escobar, who may be headed back to the disabled list for a bone spur that is causing significant pain in the righthander's throwing elbow. The discomfort is as bad as ever, and a trip to the DL appears inevitable. The Angels could make the move when Vladimir Guerrero is activated from the DL for this weekend's interleague series in New York against the Mets.

6/7/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero is doing well in his rehab work for his partially dislocated left shoulder, and if he continues to progress, he could be back as soon as this weekend. The Angels' star, who went on the DL on May 21, has been cleared for soft toss and hitting off a tee. Guerrero had two sessions of 20 swings on Monday, and he may hit in a batting cage Tuesday.

Adam Kennedy, laa

After going 2-for-4 in the Angels' win over Atlanta Monday, Kennedy has a six-game hitting streak in which he's 13-for-21 (.619) with three doubles, three RBI and six runs scored. He has two hits or more in each of his last five contests.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez got back in the save column Monday for the first time since he was sidelined for two-plus weeks for a forearm strain. Los Angeles closer allowed a hit and a walk, but finished off the Angels' 4-2 win over Atlanta for his 11th save of the season. Rodriguez is 1-1 with 11 saves, a 2.50 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 18 innings.

6/6/2005

Casey Kotchman, laa

Kotchman and the Angels' other DH options won't see as many at-bats this week, when the Angels play interleague series in Atlanta and New York. Kotchman has gone 0-for-8 since his recall last week, and now he may have to pursue his first major league hit of 2005 as a pinch-hitter.

6/5/2005

Adam Kennedy, laa

Kennedy has been in a zone at the plate recently, boosting his 2005 batting average by more than 60 points in the last week. The Angels' second baseman, who missed the first month of the season while rehabbing from October surgery to repair ACL and MCL tears in his right knee, is 9-for-13 with two doubles, three RBI, three walks and two stolen bases over his last four games.

6/4/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

Anderson became the Angels' career leader in RBI on Saturday. His four runs batted in against the Red Sox give the veteran outfielder 991 for his career, besting the previous mark of 989, set by Tim Salmon.

6/2/2005

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

In his return from a forearm strain and a 17-day layoff, Rodriguez worked the ninth inning Wednesday in a non-save situation. The Angels' closer proved rusty, walking three and forcing in a run in a 10-7 Angels win over the White Sox. He allowed just the one run before striking out the Sox' Juan Uribe with the bases loaded to end the game.

6/1/2005

Curtis Pride, laa

Pride's stint with the Angels has ended after 10 days, as the 36-year-old outfielder went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a sprained right wrist. A second round of X-rays has determined that the injury is no more serious than a sprain, but Pride goes on the DL after doubling in five trips to the plate since his May 21 recall.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez was activated from the disabled list before the Angels' game against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. The 23-year-old closer was out a little longer than two weeks with a forearm strain. K-Rod is 1-1 with 10 saves, a 2.25 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 16 innings of work in 2005.

Chris Bootcheck, laa

After the Angels' loss to the White Sox on Tuesday night, Bootcheck was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake, in order to make room for the return of closer Francisco Rodriguez. The demotion marked the end of the 26-year-old righthander's second stint with the Angels. Bootcheck has worked nine scoreless innings for the big league club, collecting one save.

Casey Kotchman, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim put outfielder Curtis Pride on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday and recalled Kotchman. The premier first-base prospect started as the Angels' designated hitter in Tuesday night's loss to the Chicago White Sox, and the 22-year-old rookie went 0-for-4.

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana made his Triple-A debut on Sunday and picked up where he left off. The Angels' promising righthander took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before allowing a triple and a two-run homer. Working 6.1 innings, Santana took a no-decision in Salt Lake's 4-2 win.

5/31/2005

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez worked a pain-free 10-minute bullpen session on Saturday, then pitched a simulated game on Monday. If there are no lingering signs of his right forearm strain on Tuesday, the Angels' closer could return to action as soon as Wednesday. He went on the disabled list May 23, retroactive to May 15.

5/29/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar was activated from the disabled list to make the start against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, his first appearance since May 11. The Angels were pleased to see him pick up the win, as he went five innings, allowing four hits and one run, and struck out seven while walking two.

5/28/2005

Ervin Santana, laa

With Kelvim Escobar coming off the disabled list Saturday to pitch against the Chicago White Sox, the Angels have optioned Santana to Triple-A Salt Lake. Working in place of Escobar, the 22-year-old righthander worked two starts for the Angels, losing his major league debut to Cleveland on May 17 and shutting out the White Sox on five hits on Monday.

5/27/2005

Kendry Morales, laa

Morales has reached North America and joined the Angels' high Class-A affiliate at Rancho Cucamonga. The Cuban exile, who was delayed in starting the 2005 season while waiting for Dominican citizenship and a passport, has started well in the California League. In six games, he is 10-for-26 (.385) with two doubles, two homers and six RBI.

5/26/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar is expected to come off the disabled list to start against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The Angels' righthander has been pain-free in his throwing sessions, as the bone spur is not generating the discomfort it has in recent weeks. It's likely that Escobar will be on a pitch count Saturday after more than a two-week layoff while on the DL.

5/24/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

In what was an encouraging sign of possibly a quick recovery by Guerrero, the reigning American League MVP was not wearing a sling to immobilize his injured left shoulder on Monday, and he did some light jogging before the Angels took batting practice. Guerrero said that he's confident he'll be ready to return in two weeks, while manager Mike Scioscia also was encouraged by what he saw Monday.

Scot Shields, laa

Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez will be out for most of another week after he was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, retroactive to May 15. Look for Shields to continue getting most of the save chances while Rodriguez is out. Shields has been a perfect 3-for-3 in saves as K-Rod's replacement, and the 29-year-old righthander hasn't given up a run in his last six games and 7.2 innings. Over that stretch, he's allowed just two hits and two walks while fanning 10.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

On Monday, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim placed Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain. The move was made retroactive to May 15, so the Angels' closer is eligible to come off the DL in less than a week. An MRI exam has confirmed there is nothing seriously wrong with Rodriguez' valuable right arm, and the Angels believe he'll be ready to go with several more days of rest.

Kevin Gregg, laa

After a solid rookie season in 2004, Gregg has struggled with the Angels this spring. He's given up multiple runs in three of his last four relief appearances, and the Angels optioned him to Triple-A Salt Lake after Monday's 4-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. For the season, Gregg is 1-1 with a 7.77 ERA in 10 games for the Angels.

Chris Bootcheck, laa

After the Angels' 4-0 win over Jon Garland and the Chicago White Sox on Monday, the team optioned Kevin Gregg to Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled Bootcheck. The 26-year-old righthander worked five scoreless innings during an earlier stint in the Angels' bullpen, and he is 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA in six starts at Salt Lake.

Ervin Santana, laa

After a rough outing in his major league debut last Tuesday, Santana on Monday night displayed what makes him arguably the best pitching prospect in the Angels' organization. The 22-year-old righthander limited the Chicago White Sox to five hits and a walk in a 4-0 shutout. He threw 115 pitches and fanned seven en route to his first big league win -- against the team with the best record in the majors.

5/23/2005

Garret Anderson, laa

After missing three straight games with tightness in his right hamstring, Anderson was back in the Angels' lineup in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Angels' left fielder was 1-for-4 in his return, and he's batting .301 with four home runs and 32 RBI in 40 games this season.

5/22/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

On Friday, Escobar threw off a mound for the first time since going on the disabled list with a bone spur in his elbow on May 12. The Angels' righthander enjoyed a pain-free session, and he pronounced himself fit to come off the DL on Friday, when he's eligible to return.

Juan Rivera, laa

With Vladimir Guerrero going on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, Rivera is likely to pick up considerable playing time in the Angels' outfield. He's batting .232 in 26 games this season. He's fared much better against righthanded pitchers, hitting .290 and slugging .581.

5/21/2005

Curtis Pride, laa

Pride was recalled by the Angels from Triple-A Salt Lake City on Saturday. The outfielder, who was hitting .320 with 6 home runs and 31 RBI for Salt Lake, takes the spot of Vladimir Guerrero, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a partially dislocated shoulder. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Angels have moved Bret Prinz from the 15-day to the 60-day DL.

Curtis Pride, laa

Pride was recalled by the Angels from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday. The outfielder, who was hitting .320 with six home runs and 31 RBI for Salt Lake, takes the spot of Vladimir Guerrero, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a partially dislocated shoulder. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Angels have moved Bret Prinz from the 15-day to the 60-day DL.

Garret Anderson, laa

After sitting out Friday's game with tightness in his right hamstring, Anderson will sit out Saturday's game with the same ailment. Although Anderson will be available to pinch hit, don't expect big numbers today. Assume the left fielder will be day-to-day, as he should be back in the lineup on Sunday.

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday after X-rays showed that the outfielder had suffered a partially dislocated left shoulder while sliding into home plate in the fifth inning of the Angels' win over the Dodgers Friday night. Guerrero will undergo an MRI exam early next week after the swelling in the shoulder goes down. Curtis Pride has been recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill Guerrero's roster spot.

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Despite coming out with a win on Friday night, the Angels may have suffered a major loss when Guerrero left the game in the fifth inning after jamming his left shoulder. Guerrero slid awkwardly into home plate, attempting to avoid a tag, and came up lame. Preliminary x-rays showed the jam, causing Guerrero to remain in a sling until the team can conduct further tests on the shoulder.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez threw a bullpen session on Friday, and according to Angels pitching coach Bud Black, the team's closer should be ready to pitch again on Sunday or Monday. Rodriguez has been out since May 15 with what is believed to be an abnormality in his right forearm. Before missing time, Rodriguez was 1-1 with 10 saves and a 2.25 ERA.

5/19/2005

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez was examined by the Angels' team doctor, Dr. Lewis Yocum, on Thursday, and X-rays verified there wasn't an abnormality in his right forearm. The Angels' closer will throw in the bullpen on Friday, but he will not be available to pitch against the Dodgers on Friday or Saturday. His status will be reassessed after his bullpen session.

5/18/2005

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez has been sidelined by what has been termed a mild forearm strain. The Angels' closer will be re-examined on Thursday, and he probably will begin throwing again on Thursday or Friday if he is cleared medically.

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana was roughed up in his major league debut on Tuesday, allowing three first-inning runs and six runs over four innings in a 13-5 Angels loss to Cleveland. The 21-year-old righthander, one of the premier pitching prospects in the Angels' system, was filling in for injured starter Kelvim Escobar.

5/17/2005

Scot Shields, laa

With Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez on the shelf for at least a few days with a mild forearm strain, Shields and Brendan Donnelly will get the call in the ninth inning. Shields did the honors on Monday, working a 1-2-3 ninth inning that included two strikeouts to preserve a 3-1 Angels win over Cleveland.

Shields earned his third save and dropped his ERA over 21.2 innings to 1.25. He has struck out 28. Rodriguez, Shields and Donnelly have been the core of an Angels bullpen that has stranded 35 of 38 inherited runners, a league-best mark.

Brendan Donnelly, laa

With Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez on the shelf for at least a few days with a mild forearm strain, Scot Shields and Donnelly will get the call in the ninth inning. It was Shields' turn on Monday. He fanned two and worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning to save a 3-1 win over Cleveland.

Donnelly is 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 14 relief appearances. The run he allowed in the eighth inning of Monday's win was his first after nine scoreless outings that spanned 11.2 innings. Rodriguez, Shields and Donnelly have been the core of an Angels bullpen that has stranded 35 of 38 inherited runners, a league-best mark.

Chone Figgins, laa

Figgins has been in a 1-for-34 slump (.029), dating back to May 6. The 27-year-old utilityman has just a single and a run scored during his nine-game slide, and he hasn't driven in a run.

During his skid, Figgins has recorded two games at second base and third base, two more as the Angels' designated hitter, and one each at short and in left field. The Angels continue to work Figgins into their lineup, usually as the leadoff man. Playing all over the diamond hasn't hindered his bat before, so there's probably no connection. Let's just call it an old-fashioned slump.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez experienced what has been deemed a mild forearm strain on Saturday, and an MRI exam on Monday apparently confirmed the diagnosis. The Angels' closer will be treated for the next couple of days and re-examined on Thursday.

Reportedly Rodriguez felt better on Monday and the Angels don't foresee a long-term problem. They are choosing to be cautious with their closer, which means Rodriguez probably won't be available until at least Friday, when the Angels take on their crosstown rival at Dodger Stadium. Look for updates about that Thursday exam to see if this best-case scenario plays out. In the meantime, Scot Shields and Brendan Donnelly will work the ninth inning for the Angels.

5/16/2005

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Rodriguez has what the Angels are calling a mild forearm strain. The Angels' closer is not available for Monday night's game against Cleveland and could be out longer. He felt some tightness in his forearm on Saturday and an MRI exam has been administered. The Angels are awaiting the test results.

The good news is that Rodriguez felt better on Sunday. Still, an injury to a guy like Rodriguez has to make the front office and coaching staff very nervous. Scot Shields or Brendan Donnelly is likely to pick up the save chance while Rodriguez is unavailable.

Ervin Santana, laa

Santana, one of the top pitching prospects in the Angels' system, will be recalled to start against Cleveland on Tuesday. The 21-year-old righthander is 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA in seven starts for Double-A Arkansas this season.

Santana has climbed steadily toward Anaheim since he was signed out of the Dominican Republic in September 2000. He could make a couple of starts in place of injured righthander Kelvim Escobar, who is trying to quell the discomfort of a bone spur in his pitching elbow with anti-inflammatories. If Escobar can avoid surgery, he could be back in a couple of weeks. If surgery can't be avoided, Santana's initial starts could pave the way for a lengthy stay with the Angels.

5/12/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Experiencing discomfort in his throwing elbow in recent outings, Escobar went on the 15-day disabled list Thursday for a bone spur. He began the 2005 season on the DL with a sprained right elbow, and was 1-2 with a 3.91 ERA in four starts since returning to action on April 24.

Look for updates on what medical treatment the Angels will pursue for Escobar. To fill the roster spot vacated by the 29-year-old righthander, the Angels recalled outfielder Chris Prieto from Triple-A Salt Lake.

5/10/2005

Matt Hensley, laa

In the last few days, Hensley has undergone arthroscopic surgery to repair a small tear in his labrum and some fraying in the rotator cuff. He will recuperate for 10 days before beginning a rehab program at the Angels' training site in Arizona.

Hensley, who has been on the disabled list since late in spring training, has been transfered to the 60-day DL. If he manages to return in 2005, it may be fairly late in the season.

5/2/2005

Adam Kennedy, laa

Reportedly the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will activate Kennedy from the disabled list before their Monday night showdown against the Mariners in Seattle. The second baseman has been rehabbing from October surgery to repair ACL and MCL tears in his right knee.

Chone Figgins has been playing second base with Kennedy on the sidelines, and he could shift over to share third base with rookie Dallas McPherson.

Chone Figgins, laa

Figgins is on the verge of being replaced as the Angels' primary second baseman, as injured starter Adam Kennedy reportedly is going to be activated before the Angels take on Seattle Monday night. As the Angels' second sacker, Figgins is batting .305 and slugging .463, with nine extra-base hits, 15 runs scored and 13 RBI in 25 games.

Figgins could shift to third base, where he would share duties with rookie Dallas McPherson. Wherever he plays, Figgins may not get quite as many at-bats as he did before Kennedy's return.

4/27/2005

Maicer Izturis, laa

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have placed Izturis on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left knee, retroactive to Tuesday. The younger brother of Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis, Macier has four hits in 20 at-bats (.200) with five runs scored, two triples and a stolen base in 14 games.

The Angels are expected to recall a minor leaguer before they face New York at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night.

4/26/2005

Kendry Morales, laa

Reportedly Morales has been granted Dominican citizenship, a prerequisite to getting a Dominican passport and a work permit to enter the United States. The Cuban exile, who was signed to a six-year contract by the Angels, is waiting for the paperwork on his citizenship to be completed before pursuing a passport from his newly adopted country.

Exactly how long the whole process will take is uncertain, considering citizenship normally takes 2-3 years. Morales has been banking on efforts to expedite the process, and it appears a payoff may be close. If he reaches North America in the next few weeks, it seems more likely that Morales will spend time in the minor leagues this summer. Perhaps he will spend most of the summer in the minors.

Kendry Morales, laa

Reportedly Morales has been granted Dominican citizenship, a prerequisite to getting a Dominican passport and a work permit to enter the United States. The Cuban exile, who was signed to a six-year contract by the Angels, is waiting for the paperwork on his citizenship to be completed before pursuing a passport from his newly adopted country.

Exactly how long the whole process will take is uncertain, considering citizenship normally takes 2-3 years. Morales has been banking on efforts to expedite the process, and it appears a payoff may be close. If he reaches North America in the next few weeks, it seems more likely that Morales will spend time in the minor leagues this summer. Perhaps he will spend most of the summer in the minors.

4/24/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar was activated from the disabled list and will make his first major league start of the season tonight against the Oakland Athletics. Chris Bootcheck was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake to open up a roster slot for Escobar.

Escobar went 11-12 with a 3.93 ERA last year for the Angels, with 191 strikeouts in 208.1 innings.

Chris Bootcheck, laa

In order to open a roster slot for Kelvim Escobar, who returns from the disabled list to join the Angels' rotation tonight against the Oakland Athletics, Bootcheck was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Bootcheck made two relief appearances for the Angels this year, allowing two hits and no runs in five innings.

4/23/2005

Adam Kennedy, laa

Kennedy was scheduled to begin his minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday. Barring any setback, the infielder, who tore his ACL and MCL last September, is expected to rejoin the Angels in about two weeks.

4/22/2005

Orlando Cabrera, laa

Cabrera homered leading off the bottom of the 10th inning to cap the Angels' rally from a 5-0 deficit in a 6-5 win over the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night. The Los Angeles shortstop hit a 3-1 pitch into the lower seats in the left-field corner against the Indians' Jason Davis.

Cabrera also enjoyed his second three-hit game in four nights. For the season, he is batting .271 with five doubles, two homers and seven RBI in 16 games.

4/20/2005

Hector Carrasco, laa

The Washington Nationals have purchased Carrasco's contract from Triple-A New Orleans, filling the 25-man roster spot of fellow reliever T.J. Tucker, who is expected to miss the next 2-4 weeks with a strained groin. Carrasco made three appearances with the Nationals in spring training, going 1-0, allowing two unearned runs in 3.1 innings and notching a save.

Carrasco will pitch in middle relief. He has no fantasy value.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

In his second rehab start on Tuesday, this time for Triple-A Salt Lake, Escobar worked four innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking one and striking out six Las Vegas 51s. His experienced no discomfort in his throwing elbow, and Escobar is targeted to return to the Angels' rotation against Oakland Sunday in Anaheim. He would square off against A's rookie Joe Blanton.

4/18/2005

Adam Kennedy, laa

Kennedy is doing well in extended spring training and is getting close to going out on a minor league rehab assignment. Coming back from major surgery on his right knee, the Angels' second baseman is on course to return to the Los Angeles lineup in early May.

Dallas McPherson, laa

On Monday, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim recalled McPherson from Triple-A Salt Lake. He has been rehabbing a herniated disk that became a problem during spring training. The 24-year-old McPherson, one of the top third-base prospects in the game, started 2-for-13 (.154) at Salt Lake, but has since gone 10-for-26 (.385). He joins the Angels after batting .308 with three homers and 14 RBI in 10 games for the Stingers.

McPherson should take over at third immediately. The primary third baseman so far, Robb Quinlan, has hit .182 with one RBI in 22 at-bats. The other Angels third basemen, Maicer Izturis (.167) and Lou Merloni (0-for-3), haven't fared any better.

4/15/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

As scheduled, Escobar took the mound for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday, as he continues to work his way back from a sore pitching elbow. The Angels' righthander reported no problems after allowing just one hit, striking out seven and walking two over three innings of work. He will be re-evaluated over the next couple of days to determine his status.

Reportedly, Escobar could make his season debut with the Angels as early as Tuesday's matchup with the Seattle Mariners, but a final decision has yet to be made. In 33 starts last year, Escobar went 11-12 with a 3.93 ERA. He struck out 191 and walked 76 in 208.1 innings.

4/14/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

That bruised knee suffered on Tuesday couldn't keep Guerrero out of the Angels' lineup on Wednesday. The Angels' right fielder went 1-for-4 in a 7-5 loss to Texas.

Guerrero now has a 24-game hitting streak against the Rangers, which is the longest active streak by a player against another team. In those 24 games, Guerrero is 40-for-98 (.408) with eight doubles, nine homers, 22 runs scored and 16 RBI.

4/13/2005

Vladimir Guerrero, laa

Guerrero bruised his right knee during a double steal in the Los Angeles Angels' game at Texas on Tuesday night. The Angels' right fielder stole third base on the third-inning play, then scampered home to score after a wild throw by catcher Rod Barajas. Guerrero didn't return to right field in the bottom of the inning.

The Angels' star is day-to-day. It would be unfortunate if Guerrero can't play in the final game of the series on Wednesday. He has a 23-game hitting streak against Texas, the longest active streak in the majors by a player against another team. In those 23 games, the current American League MVP has batted .415 and slugged .787, with eight doubles, nine homers, 22 runs scored and 16 RBI.

4/12/2005

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson has been rehabbing a herniated disk with the Angels' Triple-A Salt Lake team. He is off to a 2-for-13 start (one home run) with the Stingers, and it seems unlikely that he will be recalled this weekend, when he becomes eligible to join the Angels.

The Angels may wait to bring up the promising third baseman until he's on a red-hot run at the Triple-A level. Robb Quinlan has gone 2-for-16 (.125) with a double in five games as the Angels' third baseman. Macier Izturis and Lou Merloni also have logged time at third, and collectively they are 1-for-9 (.111) on the season.

4/11/2005

Robb Quinlan, laa

Quinlan made two errors in his first four games as the Angels' regular third baseman, and he sat out Saturday's win over the Royals. On Sunday, the 28-year-old Quinlan was back in the lineup, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He's now 2-for-16 (.125) on the season, with his only extra-base hit an Opening Day double.

4/9/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

Escobar had a pain-free 10-minute bullpen session in which he reportedly threw all of his pitches at full strength. Escobar is scheduled for another bullpen session on Monday, then, if all goes well, will make a rehab start at Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday.

4/8/2005

Kelvim Escobar, laa

The Angels are being cautious with Escobar after he reported some discomfort in his pitching elbow in an exhibition start on March 30. The righthander, who currently is on the 15-day disabled list, has been scheduled to throw two bullpen sessions over the next several days, and barring any setbacks, he should be ready for a minor league start late next week.

Escobar likely will rejoin the Angels' starting rotation in about two weeks. Until that time, Kevin Gregg will fill the void. Escobar went 11-12 with a 3.93 ERA in 33 starts last season, striking out 191 and walking 76 in 208.1 innings.

Adam Kennedy, laa

Kennedy is scheduled to travel to Arizona next week to spend about 7-10 days at extended spring training. If no problems are reported, he will be sent on a minor league rehab assignment shortly thereafter. The Angels' second baseman underwent surgery last October to repair tears in the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee, injuries suffered while trying to make a play on a grounder in a game late in the regular season.

Kennedy hopes to be back with the Angels in early May. Until that time, the club plans to use utilityman Chone Figgins as their everyday second baseman. In 144 games last season, Kennedy batted .278 with 10 home runs, 48 RBI and 15 stolen bases.

Francisco Rodriguez, laa

Angels manager Mike Scioscia decided to hold Rodriguez out of Thursday's matchup with the Texas Rangers, as the closer had pitched the previous two nights. In his stead, Brendan Donnelly and Scot Shields pitched the late innings in the team's 7-6 victory. Rodriguez will be available on Friday.

Rodriguez was handed the Angels' closer job this season, replacing veteran Troy Percival, who is now with the Detroit Tigers. In 69 games last season, Rodriguez went 4-1 with 1.82 ERA and 12 saves, striking out an impressive 123 batters in 84 innings.

4/7/2005

Dallas McPherson, laa

McPherson is the Angels' third baseman of the future, but there is no guarantee that he will grab the starting role immediately when he returns to the club. The 24-year-old infielder, who was slated to replace the departed Troy Glaus at the hot corner this season, was sent to minor league camp to begin the year after missing most of spring training with a herniated disc in his back.

If Robb Quinlan continues to produce at third, he might remain in the lineup and force McPherson to accept a backup role. In 40 major league at-bats last season, McPherson had nine hits, including three home runs, but struck out 17 times. In addition, he batted .317 with 36 doubles, 40 home runs and 126 RBI in 135 games between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Salt Lake last year.

4/6/2005

Kevin Gregg, laa

With Kelvim Escobar on the 15-day disabled list with a minor arm problem, Gregg will step into the Angels' starting rotation for the time being. The righthander, who was 5-2 with a 4.21 ERA and one save in 55 relief appearances last season, is scheduled to take the mound against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Escobar is expected to miss just one or two starts, so Gregg's stay in the rotation likely will be a short one.

4/3/2005

Tim Salmon, laa

Originally placed on the 15-day disabled list due to his recovery from left knee and rotator cuff surgery, the Angels have now moved Salmon to the 60-day DL. Salmon may not return until the last month of the season.

Salmon's fantasy value has all but left the building.

Kelvim Escobar, laa

On Saturday, the Angels placed Escobar on the 15-day disabled list. The righthander experienced some pain in his pitching elbow during an outing on March 30, but the problem was not deemed serious enough to undergo an MRI. Kevin Gregg will get the start in place of Escobar on April 9.

Although the Angels only expect Escobar to miss one start, keep an eye on him, as elbow problems tend to linger. He went 11-12 with a 3.93 ERA in 33 starts last season, striking out 191 and walking 76 in 208.1 innings.