Kotchman Is Forced to the DL by Illness

First baseman Casey Kotchman, his energy level hovering somewhere around his batting average -- a sickly .152 -- was put on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday because of a viral syndrome, diagnosed in spring training as mononucleosis.

Dallas McPherson, who emerged from a first-month funk at triple-A Salt Lake with five home runs in his last five games, was recalled and started at first base against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, becoming the fifth Angel to play the position in 34 games this season.

“It’s hard for me to admit that something is not right,” said Kotchman, who had six hits in his last 50 at-bats and has six runs batted in this season. “I try to be optimistic in life ... but I’m beat right now, that’s how I feel. I’m not improving.”

Kotchman, who will return to Southern California today to be examined by team physician Craig Milhouse, said he contracted mononucleosis over the winter, but when he hit .421 with three home runs, seven doubles and a team-high 15 RBIs in spring training, he thought he could play through his recovery.

“Physically, spring training drained me,” Kotchman said. “This is the best thing health-wise for me....I was fatigued. I’d get home and sleep, sleep, sleep.”

Whether Kotchman was ill or simply overwhelmed by opposing pitchers, it was clear to the Angels that something had to be done.

“He’s not at a physical level to compete right now, and Mac has been swinging the bat well,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “Casey needs to get his strength and stamina back.”

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An MRI test of Darin Erstad’s injured right ankle revealed a new bone bruise but no ligament or tendon damage, and a specialist in Chicago told the Angel center fielder that he could probably get through the season without having surgery to shave down two bone spurs in the ankle.

“I’m still going to miss some time,” said Erstad, who was put on the DL Monday, “but there are worse alternatives.”

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While the Angels flew to Chicago after Monday night’s loss to the Blue Jays, reliever Scot Shields, who experienced severe chest pains for four days, remained in a Toronto hospital until 2 a.m. undergoing tests, including an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray and blood work that ruled out any serious heart ailments.

Shields, who was treated by paramedics in the clubhouse at Toronto after the game, was given medication for acid reflux and was cleared to pitch with no limitations. He will be re-examined when the Angels return home Friday.

“I still feel it, but I’m not in pain,” Shields said before Tuesday’s game. “It’s a relief that it’s not anything bad.”

Shields began feeling pain in the area around his heart -- especially when he inhaled deeply -- Friday and thought so little of it he was able to joke about it with teammates. He threw 1 1/3 hitless innings in the Angels’ 3-0 win over Toronto on Saturday, but when the pain persisted, he told team trainers.