Hisanori

Takahashi

Takahashi struggled for the first couple months for the Angels last year, as well, before settling in to have a nice year. We suspect the 37-year-old will eventually figure things out.

“We’re looking good,” said Downs. “We’re gaining progress. I don’t think there’s a timetable, but every day it’s getting better, so hopefully that just makes it a day sooner.” Downs avoided a DL stint when an MRI on Friday revealed no ligament damage to his right ankle. Hisanori Takahashi and Brad Mills will function as left-handed options out of the bullpen in the short-term.

It’s the second time he’s been sent down in the last month. Takahashi, who has put up 4.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 42 games, will return next month.

Takahashi was demoted to the Triple-A level on Saturday but spent less than three days in the minor leagues. He will return to his middle relief role in Anaheim.

Takahashi left Friday’s appearance with stiffness in his hip, but clearly it was no big deal since he was back out there the next day. He holds a 4.15 ERA over 25 appearances this season.

Takahashi tossed a scoreless sixth inning and was ready to come out for the seventh, but he apparently tweaked something during his warm-up pitches. Scott Downs entered the game to replace him.

Takahashi tossed a scoreless sixth inning, but tweaked his hip during warm-up pitches before the seventh. The severity of the injury isn’t yet known, but the Angels will likely provide more information after the game.

Takahashi gets the boot to clear a 25-man roster spot for Zack Greinke, who will make his debut for the Angels on Sunday. Takahashi should be back up later this summer.

This means the Pirates will now be responsible for the remainder of his $4.2 million salary for this season. Takahashi was recently sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake, but has a 4.93 ERA and 41/10 K/BB ratio over 42 innings this season and a 3.80 ERA over 232 innings in the majors. He’ll presumably be added to the major league bullpen.

Takahashi was slated to become a free agent, anyway, so the Pirates are merely clearing a spot on the 40-man roster a little early. The left-hander will now seek employment elsewhere after putting up a 5.54 ERA over 51 appearances for the Angels and Pirates this season.