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Scioscia expects Black to return to manager's role

ANAHEIM -- The Mike Scioscia managerial tree lost its second limb of 2015 when the Padres dismissed Bud Black on Monday. But the Angels' skipper expects it to regrow in no time.

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"First of all, Bud's a great manager, great baseball mind, great friend, and it's tough, I think, just the nature of the position," Scioscia said before the Angels' series opener against the D-backs. "But I'm sure his phone is already ringing. It won't take long for him to get offers, trust me."

Black was the pitching coach for the Angels under Scioscia from 2000-06, including the club's 2002 World Series run. He was in his ninth season managing the Padres, who entered play Monday in third place in the National League West at 32-33.

Scioscia said Monday afternoon that he had texted Black, but hadn't yet had the chance to speak with him over the phone.

Ron Roenicke, who was on Scioscia's coaching staff from 2000-10, was fired as Brewers manager on May 3, in his fifth season with Milwaukee.

Scioscia is the longest-tenured manager in the Major Leagues, having been with the Angels for 16 seasons.

Worth noting

• Angels third baseman David Freese, who has been dealing with a minor hamstring injury, started at designated hitter for a second straight game on Monday. Scioscia said it was a "precautionary move" to get Freese completely past the issue, and he should return to the field by the time the Angels head to Arizona on Wednesday, where there will be no DH.

• Outfielder Collin Cowgill, on the 15-day disabled list with a right wrist injury, saw a specialist in Arizona on Monday. Scioscia said before Monday's game that he didn't yet have the test results.

• Scioscia said Monday that right-hander Cory Rasmus (60-day DL, core injury) is currently throwing in games and should begin a rehab assignment within the next couple of days.

• As of Monday, seven more Angels selections from the 2015 Draft had signed contracts: shortstop David Fletcher (sixth round), right-hander Nathan Bates (15th), right-hander Travis Herrin (18th), right-hander Taylor Cobb (26th), left-hander Winston Lavendier (33rd), left fielder Samuel McDonnell (36th) and first baseman Jared Walsh (39th).

David Adler is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @_dadler..
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