NewsInjuries have Wood taking on big role
Wilson joins infielder as Angels callups asked to pull weight
By Quinn Roberts / MLB.com
07/10/09 10:55 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- As infielder Brandon Wood and catcher Bobby Wilson made their way through the Angels clubhouse on Friday, they were greeted with handshakes and hugs welcoming them back.Both were called up from Triple-A Salt Lake after Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter were placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Wood had already made a trip from Salt Lake this season and played in three games with the Angels from late April to early May. This time around, however, manager Mike Scioscia expects Wood to play a greater role on the team.
"When you loose two big bats out of your lineup, you are going to be looking at a number of different bats and see who is swinging well and what the matchups will be," Scioscia said. "Brandon could be right in that mix.
"It isn't going to be an everyday role -- probably not right now -- but there is a role for him here and to get at-bats."
Of Wood's three games with the Angels earlier this season, one was against the Yankees and ace CC Sabathia, who will start against the Angels on Sunday.
"Sabathia is tough, and Brandon really was on some of his best pitches, which is good," Scioscia said.
As Mike Napoli spends time between being the Angels' designated hitter and catcher with Guerrero on the DL, Wilson will primarily be used as a backup catcher for Napoli and Jeff Mathis.
"I really just have to get after it and perform when I am called upon," Wilson said. "I have to look at what everyone else does up here and how they go about their business and just do the same."
Wilson played in eight games for the Angels last season, mostly in September, recording one hit in six at-bats.
Quinn Roberts is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
