Angels reliever Scott Downs placed on bereavement list

An Angels bullpen that can ill afford to lose any of its top relievers will be without one of them for at least this week’s three-game series against the Boston Red Sox, which begins Tuesday night in Angel Stadium.

Veteran left-hander Scott Downs, who is 1-1 with a 3.08 earned run average in 44 games, has been placed on the bereavement list and will be away from the club for three to seven days. The Angels will be able to replace Downs on the roster during the time he is gone.

Downs went 23 appearances this season without giving up an earned run and was 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA when he went on the disabled list because of a shoulder strain on July 31. He returned on Aug. 18 and has been nicked for three earned runs and six hits in three innings over six appearances.

Angels relievers have a 7.17 earned run average and eight blown saves in August.

To replace Downs on the roster, the Angels will recall reserve outfielder Kole Calhoun from triple-A Salt Lake.

Downs’ loss will be somewhat mitigated by the fact that David Ortiz, Boston’s top left-handed slugger, went back on the disabled list Monday because of a right Achilles strain, an injury that sidelined him for 35 games in July and August.

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