ANGELS NOTEBOOK: IN RESERVE: BENCH GETTING BIT BY INJURY BUG.Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer SEATTLE - Save for catcher Bengie Molina Benjamin José ("Bengie" or "Ben") Molina (born July 20 1974 in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico) is the starting catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. After being initially regarded as a "good glove, no hit" catcher, Molina has developed into one of the better , whose return from a quadriceps injury won't happen until next week, the Angels position players have been relatively healthy. But the end of their bench has taken a pounding. Wednesday, the Angels learned utility infielder A utility infielder is a baseball player, usually someone who does not have a regular starting role on the team, who is capable of playing more than one of the four defensive infield positions: second base, third base, shortstop, and less typically first base. Lou Merloni Louis William "Lou" Merloni (born April 6, 1971 in Framingham, Massachusetts) is a former Major League Baseball player. Merloni played for his hometown Boston Red Sox from 1998-2003. During his time there, Merloni was considered one of the original Dirt Dogs. has torn ligaments in his right ankle and probably will be out the rest of the season. Then, in the sixth inning of their 5-2 win over the Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Mariners have played in Safeco Field. , backup catcher Josh Paul Josh Paul (born May 19, 1975 in Evanston, Illinois) is a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the amateur draft in 1996, Paul was a back-up catcher from 1999 until he was granted his outright release in , attempting to break up a double play, was struck on the right thumb by a ball thrown by shortstop Wilson Valdez. Paul could have X-rays taken today, but was told by a doctor the thumb probably isn't broken. But with Molina out through the weekend, the Angels can't afford to risk carrying just one catcher in their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Tigers have played in Comerica Park. . If necessary, the club could recall top prospect Jeff Mathis Jeffrey Stephen "Jeff" Mathis (born March 31, 1983 in Marianna, Florida, USA) is a major league baseball catcher playing with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and made his Major League debut on August 12, 2005 with them. He bats and throws right handed. , who is hitting .373 at Triple-A Salt Lake, but has been slowed by a thigh bruise. Salt Lake reserve Ryan Budde and Double-A catcher Mike Napoli also are possibilities. ``Bengie's not quite ready,'' Scioscia said. ``We don't want to activate anyone prematurely.'' While Paul felt the injury was minor, Scioscia said it's the sort that could preclude him from gripping a ball or bat. Paul, who had a light wrap on the thumb afterward, said the initial pain was far worse than the aftermath. ``You know that feeling like when you're walking in your bedroom at night and just absolutely crush your big toe big toe n. The largest and innermost toe of the human foot. ?'' Paul said. ``That's what it felt like. A lot of cursing.'' --More Merloni: Merloni's ankle will require either surgery or extended rehabilitation. Neither option is conducive to a quick return. ``You're talking months, even without surgery,'' Scioscia said. ``And surgery would put him out for the lion's share of the season.'' Merloni's loss could affect the roster decision when Molina returns. Third baseman Robb Quinlan has played in just three of the past 18 games and is hitting .138. Recently recalled David Matranga can play more positions than Quinlan and is superior as a runner and defender. Infielder Maicer Izturis will probably be out three more weeks with a knee injury. --Matranga could play at home: When Matranga was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake, the Orange native doubted he'd stick with the Angels long enough to make the homestand that begins Friday, but noted that ``you never know, because I've seen all kinds of weird things happen.'' Sure enough, Merloni's injury meant Matranga survived the recall of Adam Kennedy. Now, he'll make it to Friday and play in his hometown stadium, with no guarantees beyond that. CAPTION(S): box Box: OTHER GAMES: BOSS SEES ANOTHER YANKEES' LOSS |
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