ANAHEIM -- The Angels switched backups at third base on Tuesday, recalling Jefry Marte and optioning Kaleb Cowart to Triple-A Salt Lake.
Marte, starting at third base and batted fifth, made a big impact on Tuesday night's 11-9 win over the Tigers. The 24-year-old went 4-for-4 with a homer, his first with the Angels, a double and two RBIs. It was his first career four-hit game.
"Jefry, he can swing it," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said "He had a good offensive night tonight, and held his own at third base. We're happy to have him on the team."
Marte got the starting nod because Yunel Escobar had a left wrist contusion.
Cowart -- the Angels' No. 5 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline -- was in his second Major League stint, had one hit in six at-bats after being recalled last Wednesday.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he preferred to have Cowart get more consistent at-bats with the Bees instead of serving as Escobar's backup in the big leagues.
"I think we're not going to have consistent at-bats for Kaleb," he said. "Marte's really been swinging it well in his last 50 at-bats down [in Triple-A]. We don't want Kaleb getting sporadic at-bats through these next couple weeks."
Worth noting
• Scioscia said Escobar's wrist has healed well, and he expects him to make a return to the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Tigers.
• Left-hander C.J. Wilson underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday that revealed no further damage to his left elbow. He was shut down from throwing on Saturday after leaving his bullpen session with left biceps tendinitis. Scioscia said Wilson will remain shut down until the team decides he's ready to start a throwing program.
• Infielder Brendan Ryan cleared waivers and has been optioned to Salt Lake. Ryan was designated for assignment on Saturday, and joins relievers Danny Reynolds, Al Alburquerque, A.J. Achter and Lucas Luetge as Angels to clear waivers and be outrighted to Triple-A since May 20. Reliever Deolis Guerra was designated for assignment on Monday and is currently on waivers.
• Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons took batting practice and fielded light grounders at Angel Stadium before Tuesday night's game. Simmons, who underwent left thumb surgery on May 10, was originally given a timetable of 6-8 weeks before his return. Scioscia said Simmons is "close" to being able to start a rehab assignment, and could return to the Angels in late June.
• Scioscia said reliever Cory Rasmus has "made strides" in his recovery from a left groin strain. He threw a bullpen session on Friday, and Scioscia said the team is still figuring out the next step in his rehab.
• Outfielder Daniel Nava took part in some light batting practice Tuesday at Angel Stadium. Scioscia said he still has a "little gap to close" in his recovery from a left groin strain, and the team will reevaluate him in 7-10 days.