LOS ANGELES -- The Angels recalled infielder Jefry Marte from Triple-A Salt Lake ahead of Monday's Freeway Series opener against the Dodgers. Infielder Kaleb Cowart was optioned to Salt Lake in a corresponding move.
Marte, who's beginning his third stint with the Angels this season, was optioned to Salt Lake on June 3. He returns holding a .175 batting average and .283 OBP in 35 Major League games this year.
During his latest 18-game stint in the Minors, he batted .183 with a .263 OBP.
"With Jefry, we're looking at a right-handed batter. We're going to face a lot of left-handed pitching this series," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "And it gives us a little more depth at first base."
Cowart, an Angels' 2010 first-round Draft pick, had been called up by the Angels on June 25 and appeared in Sunday's 4-2 win at Boston. He went 2-for-3, logging a double with two RBIs and a walk.
"Hopefully, Kaleb takes some confidence in the way he played yesterday," said Scioscia, "because that's the talent he has and the potential he has."
Escobar returns from thumb injury
After missing the Angels' last two games with a strained left thumb, third baseman Yunel Escobar returned to the starting lineup Monday night against the Dodgers.
Escobar, who's manned the cleanup spot since June 2, owns a .311 batting average and .808 OPS when batting fourth in the order this season.
Worth noting
Center fielder Michael Trout is swinging off a tee and progress to soft toss before taking live batting practice, according to Scioscia.
"When that's going to happen [Trout taking live BP], it remains to be seen, but we're approaching that hurdle," Scioscia said.
Trout has been on the 10-day disabled list since May 29 with a torn UCL in his left thumb. The Angels are 14-12 since he was removed from the lineup.
Despite his absence, Trout had earned 2,559,173 All-Star votes, according to Monday's voting update. The total ranked second among American League outfielders.