Angels’ Geovany Soto back on disabled list because of knee discomfort

Geovany Soto lasted seven major league plate appearances before landing back on the disabled list. Left knee discomfort forced the Angels catcher back onto the 15-day DL on Monday.

Soto had been sidelined for seven weeks because of a torn meniscus in his right knee. The team indicated this injury was related, with the 33-year-old perhaps compensating within his catching crouch.

After the first injury, suffered on an elliptical machine, Soto was expected to be sidelined four to six weeks. Two weeks in, he expected to beat that timeline but complications that the Angels said were not setbacks held him out beyond it.

Instead of recalling Carlos Perez, who was sent down this month, the Angels called up Juan Graterol, a 27-year-old Venezuelan who had played 11 seasons in the minors without spending a day in the majors.

“He’s starting to get comfortable in the batter’s box,” Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said of Perez. “We want him to keep doing that.”

Signed as a minor league free agent in January, Graterol hit .292 with limited power for triple-A Salt Lake. He arrived shortly before Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers and figures to back up rookie Jett Bandy while Soto sits out and Perez remains in the minors.

The injury hurts Soto’s trade value but does not nix it. Players on the disabled list can be traded, and Soto is eligible to be activated July 31 — one day ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline.

Short hops

The Angels claimed second baseman Sean Coyle off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. A former top prospect, the 24-year-old has never played in the majors. Reliever A.J. Achter was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. …Infielder Cliff Pennington said that he will begin a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday. Because he was moved to the 60-day disabled list Monday, he cannot be activated until July 31. …Right-hander Matt Shoemaker was named the American League’s pitcher of the week Monday, two days after striking out 13 while shutting out the Chicago White Sox. …Left-hander Tyler Skaggs was named the Pacific Coast League’s pitcher of the week after striking out 14 while shutting out the Omaha Storm Chasers for eight innings last Thursday. Skaggs (Tommy John surgery) is expected to start again Tuesday against the Iowa Cubs. He could then return to the major leagues.

pedro.moura@latimes.com

Twitter: @pedromoura