Jepsen should miss rest of season after appendectomy

SEATTLE -- Kevin Jepsen underwent an emergency appendectomy in Seattle on Saturday and the recovery time is four-to-six weeks, which means the Angels don't expect to have their power reliever back for the rest of this season.

Jepsen, resting comfortably at the team hotel after undergoing successful surgery, will fly back to California and won't be with the team for the rest of its 10-day road trip.

Jepsen had been experiencing pain around his midsection for a few days. Prior to Friday's game, he described his symptoms to Josh Hamilton's accountability partner, Shayne Kelley, who underwent an emergency appendectomy in early July, and Kelley advised Jepsen to go straight to the hospital.

The 29-year-old spent Friday night at Swedish Medical Center before undergoing surgery on Saturday afternoon. To take his spot on the roster, the Angels recalled outfielder Collin Cowgill, returning the club to 12 pitchers and 13 position players.

Jepsen's year, his sixth with the Angels, will likely finish with a 4.50 ERA in 45 appearances.

"It's tough," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Jeppy is still evolving. ... He's got that power arm, and hopefully what he's done in the last couple of weeks, as far as some of the adjustments he made, will be something he carries into Spring Training if he doesn't go back this year."