Casey

Kotchman

Scioscia said he went with Kotchman to have another left-handed contact hitter on the bench.

Kotchman was on the DL earlier this month after straining the hamstring.

Kotchman says he’s feeling fine, but the organization has no reason not to be cautious.

Kotchman, Anaheim’s top prospect, had recently been considered close to returning to active duty.

GM Bill Stoneman said doctors are unsure whether Kotchman aggravated the original injury or suffered a new one. The Angels’ top prospect has been on the DL four times since signing in 2001.

Third baseman of the future Dallas McPherson (.320) and top catcher prospect Jeff Mathis (.333) are also enjoying the hitter-friendly parks of the Texas League. All three of these players will be in the majors by 2006 at the latest, and are worth owing in keeper leauges.

Should happen sometime in the next week. Keeper leaguers will need to hold on to Kotchman regardless.

Kotchman has been out since June 29.

Kotchman is day-to-day. “He just tweaked it a little bit,” Angels farm director Tony Reagins said. “That’s why we’re giving him a few days off. He probably would be in the lineup if it wasn’t the same wrist as a few years ago.”

Kotchman has been impressive in his major league stay to date. He has not struck out in his first 43 career plate appearances. The Angels believe that they can find enough at bats for the 21-year-old first baseman once Erstad returns to action.