Scott Downs returns to Angels with better focus

SEATTLE -- Scott Downs declined to discuss the family medical emergency that caused him to miss four games this last week, but the left-handed reliever said the issue involved one of his three children and is “resolved for the most part.”

The veteran pitcher, who is 1-1 with a 3.08 earned-run average in 44 games this season, traveled Friday from his Kentucky home to Seattle and was activated for Saturday’s game against the Mariners.

“It was something I needed to take care of, something I needed to be there for, and I was,” Downs said. “Everything is going back in the right direction.”

Downs was on the disabled list because of a shoulder strain for three weeks in late July and August. He admitted he might have been distracted while giving up three earned runs and six hits in three innings after his return.

“I’ve been a little sidetracked, but that’s part of life,” Downs said. “Sometimes, you’ve got to put things in perspective. The Angels have been great. I was able to go home and get things taken care of. It should be a lot easier to focus on my job.”

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