ANAHEIM -- In need of fresh outfield legs, the Angels on Monday recalled Rafael Ortega, their hottest hitter at Triple-A Salt Lake, and returned right-hander A.J. Achter to the Bees.
In his past 40 games for Salt Lake, Ortega had a .370/.400/.549 slash line, with 13 doubles, five triples and 10 stolen bases. He went right into the Angels' lineup on Monday night against the Reds, batting eighth and playing left field.
"He's been playing really well the last 3-4 weeks," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We need some fresh legs in the outfield; these guys have been playing a lot of innings."
Ortega, 25, in his first season in the organization, batted .238 with a home run and nine RBIs in two previous stints with the Angels. Overall, he was hitting .317 with the Bees.
Worth noting
• Third baseman Yunel Escobar, on the seven-day concussion disabled list since fouling a ball off his face on Aug. 19, resumed baseball activities on Monday.
"Hopefully, he can be ready by the Seattle series [Friday-Sunday]," Scioscia said.