Angels' catcher Hank Conger demoted to triple-A

Struggling rookie catcher Hank Conger was optioned to triple-A Salt Lake Tuesday afternoon to clear a roster spot for right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who will start Tuesday night's game against the Texas Rangers.

Conger, a former Huntington Beach High School standout, was hitting .214 with five home runs and 16 runs batted in in 50 games, but a bigger concern for the Angels were his problems behind the plate.

Conger's throws to second base have been erratic, and opponents have been successful on 48 of 56 stolen-base attempts against him this season.

Conger's demotion means that Jeff Mathis will now get the bulk of the playing time behind the plate, and seldom-used third catcher Bobby Wilson will see more time as the backup.

For more on the roster move, go to Latimes.com/sports.

-- Mike DiGiovanna

Photo: Hank Conger. Credit: Kirby Lee / US Presswire