Angels roster move: Aybar to DL, reliever Rodriguez recalled

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The Angels made a move to bolster their overworked bullpen before Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, placing shortstop Erick Aybar on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left rib-cage muscle and recalling reliever Francisco Rodriguez from triple-A Salt Lake.

All seven Angels relievers were used in Saturday night’s 6-5, 14-inning victory over the Blue Jays, stretching the staff so thin that Manager Mike Scioscia had to summon starter Dan Haren to pitch the top of the 14th.

Closer Jordan Walden, who threw 25 pitches in a scoreless ninth inning, Michael Kohn, who threw 38 pitches in 1 2/3 scoreless innings, and Jason Bulger, who threw 55 pitches in 2 1/3 scoreless innings, probably won’t be available to pitch Sunday.

Aybar had already missed five games through Saturday night and was not projected to be ready to play until next weekend at the earliest. By dating his DL stint to start April 3, Aybar will be eligible to be activated on April 18, just a day or two after the team projects he will be ready.

The Angels are expected to make another roster move after the game to add Monday night’s starter against the Cleveland Indians, and there are indications the team will recall 21-year-old prospect Tyler Chatwood for that game. Haren was originally scheduled to start Monday night but will probaby make his next start on Tuesday.

--Mike DiGiovanna