Stoneman Is Not in a Trade Mode

With 25 shopping days left until the trading deadline, Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman said he has no must-have items on his list.

“I know everybody is pointing to DH, but we’ve got some guys who are capable,” Stoneman said. “I really don’t think that’s a priority.”

The Angels’ designated hitters have hit a league-low three home runs, with a .252 batting average and a league-low .302 on-base percentage. Still, with Steve Finley expected to return to center field shortly, they can use Chone Figgins to supplement and/or replace their primary designated hitters, Jeff DaVanon and Juan Rivera.

“The thing I look at when I look at our roster is our depth,” Stoneman said. “It tends to help you stay away from panic mode. We’re playing well, and the bench depth has done a real good job.”

For now, the depth chart does not include Tim Salmon, the Angels’ first choice at DH. Doctors told Salmon his rehabilitation from December shoulder and knee surgeries should take eight to 12 months. He tried swinging a bat two weeks ago, but his shoulder felt sore and he has yet to try again.

Salmon, a notorious slow starter, said he “realistically” would need three weeks in the minor leagues to recover his timing. Minor league seasons end around Labor Day.

“Because I can get healthy doesn’t mean I can come back and be productive, just because I have the uniform on,” Salmon said.

“I think this year is still a longshot,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “I think we’re all hopeful he can get to a point where we can see in the spring if his knee and shoulder are where they need to be for him to play baseball.”

If Stoneman makes a trade, history suggests it will be a minor one. He never has traded a top prospect, and his deadline acquisitions include Ron Gant for Kent Bottenfield, Alex Ochoa for Jorge Fabregas and Gary Glover and Scott Dunn for Scott Schoeneweis.

*

The Chicago White Sox called up right-hander Bobby Jenks, seven months after they claimed him from the Angels. The Angels exposed Jenks and his 100-mph fastball to waivers while protecting five catchers on the 40-man roster, including journeymen Wil Nieves and Josh Paul.... Class-A Rancho Cucamonga shortstop Brandon Wood leads all of professional baseball with 28 home runs. Stoneman said Wood “probably” would be promoted to double-A this summer, perhaps in tandem with second baseman Howie Kendrick, who is batting .377.