Anaheim placed Aaron Sele on the disabled list Wednesday after an MRI revealed a small tear in his right rotator cuff. Sele received a cortisone injection and will treat the shoulder with rest. The Angels hope to have Sele return in 2-3 weeks, though the tear likely would not completely heal during that time. He'll need to determine during the off-season if he wants surgery, but that doesn't look probable at this time. The injury was discovered after Sele reported some problems during his August 20th start in New York, in which he allowed 14 baserunners on 7 BB, 7 H and a HR with only 3 K before he was relieved in the bottom of the sixth with no outs.

The Angels initially recalled Mark Lukasiewicz to replace Sele on the roster. Their decision was based on the possibility of returning Scott Schoeneweis to the rotation, as Lukasiewicz could then take over short-lefty relief in the pen. Now Anaheim has reportedly decided to leave Schoeneweis in the bullpen and plans to call-up Mickey Callaway for Sele's turn in the rotation on Sunday.

We discussed Callaway briefly when Anaheim acquired him from Tampa Bay for Wilmy Caceras this off-season. However he's having a break out season at AAA Salt Lake in the Pacific Coast League. In 91.1 IP, he's only allowed 79 H and 7 HR while compiling a 75:22 K:BB. Although this probably represents the peak of his abilities, there are few reasons for the Angels not to take advantage of this opportunity. Schoeneweis performs poorly in the rotation and has been quite useful in relief, so he would be a poor choice to start if the team hopes to continue their bid for the playoffs. Unfortunately Matt Wise isn't available as he's experiencing some elbow problems in the minors, so Callaway is the most qualified substitute starter. Unless he experiences a severe setback, I expect Sele to attempt to return before any possible playoff games for the Angels, but Callaway could make several starts for Anaheim. Perhaps having a player named Mickey on the Disney owned team will bring them much-needed luck.

In addition to losing Sele, the Angels placed Tim Salmon on the disabled list on Thursday. Salmon suffered a bruised hand when he was hit by a Steve Parris pitch in the fourth inning of Anaheim's August 10th game in Toronto. He underwent several tests to determine that no bones were broken, but the severe bone bruise has prevented him from hitting without pain. As he's been sitting out since the thirteenth, he should be eligible to return in the middle of next week. However he may require additional rest, and this could affect his swing even after he feels capable of rejoining the team.

Salmon's injury will likely be much more detrimental to the Angels than losing Sele, as Salmon's production will be much more difficult to replace. Anaheim promoted Chone Figgins to replace Salmon on the roster. Colorado drafted Figgins out of high school in the fourth round of the 1997 draft, and the Angels acquired Figgins from the Rockies for Kimera Bartee in mid-2001. The 24-year-old second baseman has shown promising plate discipline in the past and possesses good speed skills though little power. He too is having a good year at Salt Lake with 156 H, 25 2B, 18 3B, 7 HR, a 53:83 BB:K and 39/47 SB% in 511 AB for a .305 BA, .364 OBP, and .466 SLG.

Figgins will provide the Angels with a fast reserve infielder off the bench. Meanwhile, Alex Ochoa and Orlando Palmeiro will split Salmon's at-bats in right field, with Ochoa receiving the majority of the playing time.

Prior to these injuries, the Anaheim had only suffered a few brief losses. Ben Molina spent 15 days on the DL in late July due to a strained hamstring, prompting the Angels to recall Jose Molina to fill his roster spot. When Ben returned in early August, Jose Molina remained on the roster with Anaheim instead demoting Jose Nieves as the Angels didn't need the additional infielder.

Troy Percival returned to the disabled list for a second 15-day stint in mid-July. The infection in his left foot that precipitated the DL trip completely cleared up, allowing him to pitch without trouble following his late July return. In order to clear room on the roster for Percival's return, the Angels demoted Lou Pote.

While Percival was on the disabled list, the Angels recalled Matt Wise to fill his roster spot. Wise had previously been promoted in late June when Anaheim sent down John Lackey and returned to the minors to make room for Shawn Wooten's activation from the DL. He ended his most recent stay in the majors when the Angels activated Al Levine from the disabled list. Levine missed a little over three weeks with shoulder tendinitis at the beginning of July. Interestingly, Lackey returned to the majors to fill Levine's roster spot.

The Angels originally promoted Lackey in mid-June to cover a spot start in a doubleheader, demoting Brendan Donnelly to clear the necessary roster spot. Although they demoted him the following day, the team was so happy with his initial performance the Angels recalled him only three days later, inserting Lackey into the rotation for Schoeneweis. Donnelly made it back to the majors when the Angels placed Dennis Cook on the DL in mid-July with a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff, though Cook's attempting to rehab his injury to return this season.

Anaheim drafted Lackey out of Texas' Grayson County Junior College in the second round of the 1999 draft. Despite control problems in the low minors, Lackey has developed a strong skills' set. Prior to his major league debut, Lackey compiled an 82:28 K:BB with 89 H and 5 HR allowed in 101.2 IP for a 2.57 ERA at AAA Salt Lake this season. Since joining the big league team, the 23-year-old has been a vital part of their success, providing the Angels with needed consistent quality innings. During his time in the majors, he's posted a 44:20 K:BB in 71.2 IP with 72 H and 4 HR allowed for a 3.27 ERA over 11 starts.