Highlights are few for Angels in 8-2 loss to Yankees

AT THE PLATE: Matt Joyce doubled to lead off the fifth inning and scored on Johnny Giavotella’s sacrifice fly, and Mike Trout drove a ball into the right-field seats to lead off the sixth for his team-leading 15th homer of the season. That was the extent of the highlights for the Angels, who loaded the bases with one out in the fourth, only to have David Freese ground into an inning-ending double play.
ON THE MOUND: Starter-turned-temporary-reliever Hector Santiago helped preserve the bullpen by throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, striking out three and walking none, and left-hander Jose Alvarez added two hitless innings in which he walked one. Yankees starter Adam Warren allowed two runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 4-4 with a 3.64 earned-run average.

ROSTER MOVES: The Angels recalled C.J. Cron from triple-A on Saturday and sent reliever Edgar Ibarra back to Salt Lake. Cron opened the season as the designated hitter but hit .204 with one homer and six RBIs before being demoted on May 25. He hit .366 with two homers, four doubles and seven RBIs in 10 games at Salt Lake. “I didn’t change my swing,” Cron said. “I just got regular playing time and got my timing back.” Cron’s struggles reduced him to a platoon player, starting only against left-handers, but if he produces, he could expand his role. “If you want to play more, play better,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. … After the game, the Angels optioned utility man Grant Green back to triple-A. They will call up another pitcher on Sunday.

UP NEXT: Left-hander C.J. Wilson (3-4, 3.55 ERA) will oppose Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia (2-7, 5.45 ERA) at Yankee Stadium on Sunday at 10 a.m. PDT. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 830.