BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Springer, Anderson, Bennett Sent Down

Russ Springer pitched 3 1/3 solid innings Monday night, giving up one run and striking out six in the Angels’ 9-6 loss to the Minnesota Twins, but that couldn’t prevent the right-hander from being optioned to triple-A Vancouver after the game.

Outfielder Garret Anderson, one of the organization’s top prospects who had only eight at-bats with the Angels, and reliever Erik Bennett, who was called up last week, were also sent to Vancouver, as the Angels trimmed their roster from 28 to 25.

“Springer threw the ball very well tonight, but to get him to the point where he can really help the team, the best thing is for him to go out and pitch,” Manager Marcel Lachemann said.

Springer, who had an 11.70 earned-run average and gave up three home runs, seemed surprised by his demotion after the game. Asked his reaction, he said, “No comment.”

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Pitcher Brian Anderson, on the disabled list because of a strained left biceps, threw for about 10 minutes Monday in the Metrodome and said he felt “no pain, no bite, no bark,” in his left arm. Lachemann said Anderson is about 8-10 days away from returning to the rotation. . . . Twin left-hander Rich Robertson, who has made six relief appearances this season, will make his first major league start tonight against the Angels’ Mike Bielecki.