Rodriguez Is Put on Disabled List

An injury-wracked team that is already without the 2004 American League most valuable player and its most consistent starting pitcher from last season lost an All-Star reliever for at least another week when closer Francisco Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right forearm Monday.

Rodriguez, sidelined since May 15, threw in the Dodger Stadium bullpen Sunday and woke up Monday believing he would be available for the series opener against the White Sox Monday night.

But a message on his cellphone informed the right-hander he would be going on the DL -- joining right fielder Vladimir Guerrero and right-hander Kelvim Escobar -- for the first time in his three-year career, a decision Rodriguez discussed with Manager Mike Scioscia in a closed-door meeting Monday afternoon.

“What can I say? I was a little surprised,” said Rodriguez, who is 1-1 with a 2.25 earned-run average and 10 saves in 14 games. “But they think it’s best to give me four or five days of rest so I come back stronger, and I’m fine with that.”

Rodriguez’s DL stint was back-dated to May 15, which would make him eligible to return for the start of a two-week, four-city trip in Chicago next Monday. He said he “felt fine” and threw all of his pitches during Sunday’s workout but felt a little tightness in the forearm as he was receiving treatment afterward.

“I know they’re doing what they think is best for me, so I’ll be ready and be at full strength Monday,” Rodriguez said. “They want to be cautious. It’s better to be set back for five or six more days than to be shut down for the season.”

Rodriguez will continue throwing and strengthening his arm with exercises, but he won’t throw in the bullpen again until later this week. When he is activated, the Angels will monitor him closely, like they did closer Troy Percival last season, probably limiting the number of times he pitches on consecutive days.

“It’s frustrating because I’m not out there to help the team,” Rodriguez said. “At the same time, I want to make sure I’m ready instead of going out there, not being ready and letting the team down.”

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To replace Rodriguez, the Angels called up reliever Joel Peralta, a 29-year-old right-hander, from triple-A Salt Lake. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated triple-A outfielder Chris Prieto for assignment.

Peralta, who was 4-1 with a 2.60 ERA and seven saves at Salt Lake, joined the Angels on Monday, his first taste of the big leagues after seven minor league seasons.

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The Angels optioned struggling reliever Kevin Gregg to triple-A Salt Lake after Monday night’s game and recalled right-hander Chris Bootcheck. Gregg, a key contributor in the first half of 2004, had 7.77 ERA in nine games and gave up six earned runs on eight hits in two innings of his last two appearances.

“He needs to work on his pitches,” Scioscia said. “I hope he gets back soon, but right now it’s not doing anyone any good banging his head against the wall in a limited role. He can go down to the minor leagues and figure it out.”

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Guerrero, who suffered a partial dislocation of his left shoulder Friday night, was out of his sling, jogging and doing exercises Monday. “He’s moving in the right direction,” Scioscia said. Guerrero will undergo an MRI test today to determine if there is any structural damage to the shoulder. ... Center fielder Steve Finley (sore groin) and catcher Bengie Molina (sore thigh) returned to the lineup Monday night. Left fielder Garret Anderson (tight hamstring) was relegated to designated hitter.