Maicer Izturis (strained lower back) was reinstated from the disabled list today while reliever Darren O'Day was sent back to Triple-A Salt Lake. But so much for making a triumphant return as Izturis was on the bench to start the game while rookie Sean Rodriguez got another start at second base after collecting two hits Monday.

Manager Mike Scioscia was asked before Tuesday's game if Izturis was having any problems while batting form the right side of the plate, which had previously been bothering him

"He's OK," Scioscia said. "He hit right-handed (Monday) night (in a rehab start at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga) and felt fine. I think we're going to use him (Wednesday) from the left side against (White Sox starter Jose) Contreras. We might use him at some point tonight but I think we'll let Sean start and see how it goes."

Posted by Doug Padilla at 7:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There is no word yet on whether or not Robb Quinlan is in the Angels lineup tonight against Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle (manager Mike Scioscia likes to keep lineup decisions private until the last minute). But it seems safe to assume Quinlan will find his name somewhere in the order tonight.

In his career, Quinlan is batting an easy .409 against Buehrle (9 hits in 22 at-bats) with two doubles, three home runs and five RBI. And that doesn't even include the home run Quinlan hit off Buehrle in Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series. So look for Quinlan at first base or third base tonight. If they could, you'd think the Angels would have him play both positions just to get more at-bats.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Angels announced their organizational players of the month, which means these are the top minor-league guys, not the guys who distinguished themselves on the major-league level. Those honored for April:

Triple-A Salt Lake INF Matt Brown was named the Player of the Month after batting .426 (43/101) with 25 runs scored, 10 doubles, three triples, six home runs and 22 RBI in 23 games; RHP Mason Tobin, who was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA (15 IP - 0 ER) and one complete game shutout, eight hits, three walks and eight strikeouts in three starts for single-A Cedar Rapids, was named Pitcher of the Month; and triple-A Salt Lake OF Brad Coon was named Defensive Player of the Month, after committing no errors in 57 total chances (55 PO/2 A) in 21 games.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)