Angels put Matt Shoemaker on the 10-day disabled list because of forearm strain

Just six days into a season dependent on a healthy rotation, the Angels placed No. 2 starter Matt Shoemaker on the 10-day disabled list.

The right-hander has a strained forearm that he said felt “pretty similar” to the injury that ended his 2017 season in mid-June.

Though that sounds ominous, Shoemaker explained that he was optimistic this issue could be something no more significant than perhaps scar tissue.

“The concern isn’t necessarily that high,” he said. “I just want to get it fixed and be ready to go.”

Shoemaker is scheduled to undergo tests to determine the severity of something he said he first felt toward the end of his 5 2/3-inning start Saturday in Oakland.

Initially, the discomfort was so minor that Shoemaker dismissed it. Later that night and into Sunday, he said his forearm “felt definitely worse,” causing the team’s medical personnel to become involved.

“I’m more frustrated than anything,” Shoemaker said. “The last two days have been pretty tough. It’s like, ‘Why am I having this feeling again?’ ”

He made only 14 starts last season because of radial nerve compression in his right forearm. Shoemaker underwent surgery in August but returned to pitch in the Angels’ instructional league in October and reported no problems through spring training.

The team opened the season with Andrew Heaney on the disabled list because of elbow inflammation.

Heaney is scheduled to throw 80-90 pitches in a minor league game Friday and could be ready to make his 2018 debut with the Angels after that outing.

Parker Bridwell was recalled from triple-A Salt Lake to replace Shoemaker on the roster and as the Angels’ starter Friday at home against Oakland.

JC Ramirez will start Saturday, followed on Sunday by Shohei Ohtani, who will be making his Angel Stadium debut as a pitcher.

Morris acquired from Braves

The Angels acquired right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris from Atlanta in exchange for cash or a player to be named. Morris, 25, has appeared in nine big-league games in parts of two seasons. He was optioned to Salt Lake.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated for assignment pitcher Troy Scribner.

Maldonado’s rest was scheduled

Catcher Martin Maldonado didn’t start Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians, but manager Mike Scioscia said that was the Angels’ plan entering this series and was not related to Maldonado getting hit by a pitch in the hand Monday.

jmiller2929@yahoo.com