ANAHEIM, Calif. — Outfielder Reggie Willits was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels on Saturday, a promotion he was reluctant to accept.
He’s filling the roster opening created by the death of pitcher Nick Adenhart.
“It’s very difficult. Very difficult,” said Willits, his lower lip quivering while he spoke to reporters. “Anytime you get called up, you’re happy to go up. But under the circumstances, it just didn’t feel right. Nobody wants to talk about a situation like that, with the roster spot being open.”
Meanwhile, Jon Wilhite, a passenger injured in the car crash that killed Adenhart and two friends, was taken off the critical list.
Footnotes.
Utilityman Marlon Anderson has been designated for assignment by the Mets to make room for right-hander Livan Hernandez.
• Cubs catcher Geovany Soto’s sore right shoulder is feeling much better, and he will test it by throwing before today’s game and if he’s not ready for backup duty by Monday’s home opener, the team might put him on the disabled list.
• Twins catcher Joe Mauer is ready to take the next step in his recovery from a balky back by starting a running program early this week.
• The Phillies placed catcher Carlos Ruiz on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique muscle in his right side.
The Associated Press
