Freese’s Injury Prompts Roster Moves, Cron Knocks in 2 in MLB Debut

May 2, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Medical staff examines Los Angeles Angels third baseman

(6) hand after he is hit by a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

With David Freese sent to the 15-Day Disabled list with a small non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger, the Angels subsequently called up and sent down to Triple-A some familiar faces.

OF J.B. Shuck was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake before today’s game, and the club recalled INF Luis Jimenez, also out-righting RHP Yoslan Herrera to Salt Lake in order to make room on the 40-man roster for INF C.J. Cron.

When asked what went into the decision to send Shuck down, manager Mike Scioscia said, “We need more right-handed infield depth with David [Freese] out, and we feel J.B. can benefit from going down and figuring some things out.” Shuck in his last 10 games batted a mere 0.175, with only 1 extra base hit and 7 strike outs.

Both Jimenez and Cron started in tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers with Cron making a strong major league debut. He finished 3-5, knocking in 2 of the club’s 5 runs. Cron’s first major league hit – which came in his first at bat on the first pitch he saw – was a line drive into left field scoring Mike Trout from second base. He later hit a broken bat single into left field in the bottom of the 6th inning to score Howie Kendrick from second base putting the Angels up 4-3.

Tomorrow is the last game in a 3 game set against the Rangers. Yu Darvish is slated to start for the Rangers with Tyler Skaggs for the Angels. Darvish’s last outing, against the Oakland A’s, was the shortest of his career; lasting only 3 and 1/3 innings allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits striking out 4. Tyler Skaggs, on the other hand, had a strong outing against the Cleveland Indians in his last start lasting 7 innings, allowing 3 earned runs off 4 hits and striking out 6. The game is set to start at 3:35 PM ET.