Angels Place Infielder On Injured List

A nagging left hip strain has been plaguing Los Angeles Angels shortstop David Fletcher since the beginning of spring training, and now it's finally landed him on the 10-day IL. 

Angels manager Joe Maddon said Fletcher thought he could battle his way through it, but the injury "never went away." He had to be removed from Monday's game in the 7th inning, and was placed on the IL today. 

The Angels, and Fletcher, are hoping he won't have to miss much more than the 10 days. “He’s going to want to play,” Maddon said. “We appreciate that about him. He’s tough.”

Fletcher had one hit—a triple—in 13 at-bats this season. Last year was a down year for the now 28-year-old, as he hit only .262, about 30 points below his career average.

The Angels have called up 27-year-old Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Salt Lake to handle shortstop in Fletcher's absence. Velazquez has played six different positions in his 4-year career. He was batting .313 with a HR and 6 RBIs for Salt Lake. 

Photo Credit:  Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports