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Long-Lost Prinz Begins Rehab Stint

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Times Staff Writer

Although the Angels did not acquire a reliever by the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, they could add a hard thrower to the bullpen for the final month of the season. Bret Prinz, who has not pitched since the first week of the season, started a minor league rehabilitation assignment Saturday.

“Hopefully, we can get him going again and he can help us at some point,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said.

The Angels acquired Prinz during the final week of spring training from the New York Yankees for catcher Wil Nieves. Prinz made three appearances for the Angels and has been on the disabled list since. Although the team’s media notes list the injury as a strained right shoulder, Stoneman said the discomfort radiated from the inside the elbow. No surgery was required.

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“Something’s been bugging him in there,” Stoneman said. “Why it took so long, I don’t know.”

Prinz, 28, is with the Angels’ rookie team in Mesa, Ariz., but is expected to conclude his rehabilitation assignment at triple-A Salt Lake. For pitchers, the maximum assignment is 30 days. Because Prinz is on the disabled list, the Angels could include him on a playoff roster even if he returns to Anaheim after the Aug. 31 deadline for postseason eligibility.

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Although the Angels originally planned for first baseman Darin Erstad to return Sunday, Manager Mike Scioscia decided to give Erstad two more days -- today’s off-day included -- to rest his sore hip.

“His lateral movement is not quite comfortable enough to go play defense,” Scioscia said.

Erstad said he expected to start Tuesday and could have played Sunday if needed. When asked whether he could do everything he needs to do on the field, Erstad laughed.

“There are some things I can’t do, like hit homers,” he said.

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If Jarrod Washburn (inflamed left elbow) completes his Wednesday bullpen session without complications, he would start Saturday, Scioscia said. If Washburn can’t start, Scioscia said the Angels would consider Chris Bootcheck, Kevin Gregg and Joe Saunders.

The left-handed Saunders, 24, the Angels’ top pick in the 2002 draft, was promoted last month from double-A Arkansas to Salt Lake. He gave up nine hits and seven runs -- three earned -- in four innings Sunday and has a 4.35 earned-run average in five starts.

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The Angels sold out their 10th consecutive game, this one with replica Steve Finley jerseys given to all kids. Finley, benched for the weekend series, grounded out as a pinch-hitter. He is batting .228 overall and .213 with no extra-base hits in his last 47 at-bats.

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