TORONTO -- The Angels had hoped that Nick Franklin would be part of the solution to their gaping hole at second base, but the 26-year-old infielder struggled to produce in limited opportunities with the club. On Saturday, Franklin was designated for assignment, clearing a spot on the Angels' 25-man roster for right-hander Troy Scribner.
Franklin, who was acquired from the Brewers on June 30 in exchange for cash considerations, went 3-for-24 (.125) over 13 games in a platoon role with the Angels. He had seen his playing time diminish after infielder Kaleb Cowart was promoted from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.
"I think in fairness to Nick, he didn't get an extended look," manager Mike Scioscia said Saturday. "But I think the direction we're moving wasn't going to give him a lot of at-bats or playing time right now. It's really just the best move right now."
The decision to cut Franklin likely paves the way for Cowart to take on an everyday role at second with the Angels. The 25-year-old switch-hitter is 6-for-14 (.429) with two doubles and one RBI over his last four games, though he received a day off on Saturday since Cliff Pennington hadn't started in a week.
"I think we definitely want to get an extended look at Kaleb," Scioscia said. "He's a guy that has worked really hard and has really improved the offensive side of his game. He'll get most of the looks, and Penny will also get some looks."
Bedrosian slumping
Right-hander Cam Bedrosian, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, has allowed at least one run in four of his last five appearances for the Angels, causing his ERA to spike from 1.69 to 4.87 over the last few weeks. Bedrosian missed 53 games with a right groin strain earlier this season, and Scioscia said he believes the 25-year-old is still working on recapturing his form.
"I think he's healthy, but he's searching for his leverage and his drive on the mound, from the physical standpoint," Scioscia said. "I think for a pitcher, so much of it is being coordinated and being on time, just like a hitter. He needs to get his lower half involved more. He's working very hard at that so he can be consistent with his pitches and finish his pitches, and he will. I think there are some small steps that he's taken, but he's getting better."
Worth noting
• Outfielder Cameron Maybin (right knee sprain) has begun taking swings, playing long toss and running on the treadmill. The Angels are hopeful that he'll be able to start more "aggressive" baseball activities on the field next week, according to Scioscia.
• Right-handers Garrett Richards (biceps strain) and Matthew Shoemaker (forearm strain) continue to progress with their long-toss programs in Anaheim, though Shoemaker is closer to beginning mound work.