SEATTLE -- The Angels plan to call up right-hander Alex Meyer from Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday to start their series finale against the Mariners, filling the void in their rotation left by the injured Tyler Skaggs, who landed on the disabled list with an oblique strain last week.
With Skaggs expected to miss 10-12 weeks, manager Mike Scioscia said Meyer will get the opportunity to stay in the Angels' rotation over the long term if he pitches well.
"I don't think we expect him to be one and done," Scioscia said.
Thursday will mark Meyer's second start of the year for the Halos. Meyer, ranked the club's No. 8 prospect by MLBPipeline.com, made his season debut on April 21, but he lasted only 3 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs while walking four and striking out three.
The 27-year-old has made four starts in Triple-A, logging a 6.16 ERA with 24 strikeouts and seven walks over 19 innings, though the Angels believe his statistics aren't an accurate reflection of his performance this year.
"I think Alex has been really throwing the ball better than some of his numbers indicate [in the Minors]," Scioscia said. "You definitely can't go by ERA in the [Pacific Coast League]. But there are some positive things that you want to see if they're going to carry up to the big leagues. With where his upside is, we definitely think it's worth giving him an opportunity to see exactly the improvements he's been working on where they need to be. We had some options, but we feel that Alex is the best way to go right now."
Worth noting
• Second baseman Danny Espinosa, who entered Wednesday mired in an 0-for-19 slump, received the day off, opening the door for reserve infielder Cliff Pennington to start at second against the Mariners. The switch-hitting Espinosa is batting just .160 with a .511 OPS, three home runs, 37 strikeouts and five walks over 94 at-bats this year.
"He's trying to incorporate some changes on the left side and I think there's been some glimmers of hope," Scioscia said. "He's hit some balls hard, but he's still not where he can be. He worked really hard with [hitting coaches] Dave [Hansen] and Paulie [Sorrento] this afternoon on some things. Hopefully he'll carry them with him in a game."
Scioscia said he expects Espinosa to return to the lineup on Thursday.
• Right-hander Andrew Bailey threw off the mound on Wednesday for the first time since landing on the disabled list on April 12 with shoulder inflammation.
• First baseman C.J. Cron, who suffered a left foot contusion on Friday, has resumed baseball activities, including hitting off a tee.
• Left-hander Greg Mahle, who was designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Salt Lake on Wednesday.