Escobar Goes Back on the DL

Diagnostic tests revealed a bone spur in Kelvim Escobar’s elbow, and the Angel right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, a considerable blow to a rotation that has provided quality starts in 10 of the last 14 games.

The Angels replaced Escobar on the roster with speedy outfielder Chris Prieto, who was called up from triple-A Salt Lake as insurance if center fielder Steve Finley’s tight left groin limits him over the weekend in Detroit.

Another roster move to add a pitcher probably will be made before Tuesday, when Escobar’s rotation spot comes up.

Escobar, who ranked 10th in the American League last year with a 3.93 earned-run average, missed the first half of spring training because of shoulder tightness, the first three weeks of this season because of an elbow sprain, and now he’s back on the disabled list.

“I don’t think this is a new growth or anything that just popped up, so we’re going to give the inflammation in there time to cool down and get him out there again,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. “The thinking right now is that he could be back in 15 days.”

If the elbow continues to flare up, Escobar might need surgery to shave down the spur, a procedure that probably would sideline him for at least six weeks.

There also is a danger of the spur breaking off into bone chips.

Escobar has pitched parts of three seasons with bone chips in his elbow, and in 1997 he had surgery to remove bone chips, which sidelined him for six weeks.

Prieto, 32, will get his first taste of the major leagues after spending 12 minor league seasons with six organizations, including two stops in Mexico and one with independent-league Chico, but his time with the Angels probably will be brief.

The Angels are expected to recall a pitcher from Salt Lake, probably Chris Bootcheck or Dustin Moseley, to either start in Escobar’s place Tuesday in Cleveland or fill the bullpen spot vacated by Kevin Gregg if the reliever replaces Escobar in the rotation, as he did in early April.

Prieto was batting .279 with 19 runs, six doubles, one home run, eight runs batted in and nine stolen bases in 25 games for Salt Lake.

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Angel pitching coach Bud Black, who spent seven years pitching in Kansas City, has been mentioned as a candidate for the Royals’ vacant manager’s job, but Black has been adamant about not leaving Southern California until his two daughters graduate from high school.... Utility infielder Lou Merloni underwent surgery Wednesday in Boston to repair torn ligaments in his right ankle, and the 33-year-old veteran, who went hitless in five at-bats for the Angels this season, is out for the year. Merloni was placed on the 60-day disabled list Thursday, clearing room on the 40-man roster for Prieto.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Detroit Tigers, three games.

Site -- Comerica Park, Detroit.

TV -- Channel 9 today; FSN West Saturday and Sunday.

Radio -- 710, 1020.

Records -- Angels 19-15, Tigers 16-17.

Record vs. Tigers -- 1-2.

Tonight, 4 PDT -- Bartolo Colon (4-3, 2.83) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (5-2, 3.47).

Saturday, 10 a.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (2-1, 4.07) vs. Mike Maroth (3-2, 3.83).

Sunday, 10 a.m. -- John Lackey (3-2, 4.58) vs. Nate Robertson (1-2, 3.25).