? Infielder Brandon Wood is back in triple A today, his four-day visit with the Angels over. But he picked up some lovely parting gifts before leaving, including the ball from his first major league hit.
"Having these few days under my belt to see how these guys handle themselves, how the pitchers pitch right-handers, definitely I benefited from the experience," said Wood, who was optioned back to the minors after Sunday's game to make room for Chone Figgins, who will join the team tonight in Kansas City.
Wood said the demotion, which he learned about just after Sunday's game, was disappointing but not surprising.
"I thought about it because Figgy's coming up. And obviously he's a great player," said Wood, whose first-pitch single off Bobby Jenks started a two-run, ninth-inning rally. "It doesn't really sting as much as [knowing] how exciting it was to be here for three or four games. It makes you realize how bad you want it and how bad you want to be up here."
Figgins, who hasn't played for the Angels this season after breaking bones in two fingers on his right hand during spring training, completed a four-day rehab assignment at Salt Lake City by going two for three Sunday. He will probably start at third for the Angels tonight.
Second baseman Howie Kendrick, meanwhile, could be out another month. Kendrick, on the disabled list since fracturing the middle finger on his left hand 12 days ago, hasn't been cleared by doctors to catch a ball yet.
Garret Anderson sat out his second straight game because of a tight right hip. And though Manager Mike Scioscia said a stint on the disabled list was unlikely, the team will remain conservative regarding his return.
The Angels also lost infielder Maicer Izturis to a tight right hamstring in the fifth inning Sunday. Izturis, who had a home run and an RBI single before coming out of the game, is listed as day to day.
"Having these few days under my belt to see how these guys handle themselves, how the pitchers pitch right-handers, definitely I benefited from the experience," said Wood, who was optioned back to the minors after Sunday's game to make room for Chone Figgins, who will join the team tonight in Kansas City.
Wood said the demotion, which he learned about just after Sunday's game, was disappointing but not surprising.
"I thought about it because Figgy's coming up. And obviously he's a great player," said Wood, whose first-pitch single off Bobby Jenks started a two-run, ninth-inning rally. "It doesn't really sting as much as [knowing] how exciting it was to be here for three or four games. It makes you realize how bad you want it and how bad you want to be up here."
Figgins, who hasn't played for the Angels this season after breaking bones in two fingers on his right hand during spring training, completed a four-day rehab assignment at Salt Lake City by going two for three Sunday. He will probably start at third for the Angels tonight.
Second baseman Howie Kendrick, meanwhile, could be out another month. Kendrick, on the disabled list since fracturing the middle finger on his left hand 12 days ago, hasn't been cleared by doctors to catch a ball yet.
Garret Anderson sat out his second straight game because of a tight right hip. And though Manager Mike Scioscia said a stint on the disabled list was unlikely, the team will remain conservative regarding his return.
The Angels also lost infielder Maicer Izturis to a tight right hamstring in the fifth inning Sunday. Izturis, who had a home run and an RBI single before coming out of the game, is listed as day to day.
