Dallas

McPherson

Although he has 37 HR and 118 RBI while hitting .323 between Double-A and Triple-A so far this season, manager Mike Scioscia is in no hurry to get McPherson into Anaheim and into his lineup. “Dallas is going to be here when he’s ready for that challenge and the opportunity presents itself,” Scioscia said, “and right now, those two are not at a level where you want them to be.” McPherson is not advanced defensively and is striking out at a high rate — 71 times in 191 at-bats at Salt Lake. “It’s not all just defense,” Scioscia said. “There’s a development that takes place in a player that only experience can give you. He’s only been in Triple-A for two months. He’s doing well, but there’s a learning curve, and there’s a big jump from Triple-A to the big leagues. Dallas has made gains, but there’s still a ways to go.” As long as Scioscia feels this way, McPherson will continue to pound the ball in Triple-A, and remain one of the best prospects in all of baseball.

He also made a nice defensive play on a Gregg Dobbs grounder. If McPherson can play sound defense at the major league level, he could be a candidate to start next season as the Angels’ starting third baseman.

McPherson has combined for 40 home runs and 126 runs batted in at Triple-A Salt Lake and Double-A Arkansas this season is one of the best prospects in the minors, and Anaheim’s likely starting third basemen next season. He should be scooped up immediately in keeper leagues, but don’t expect him to see much action with Anaheim while they are still in the playoff race this year.

The Red Sox won’t be starting any lefties, so McPherson could play regularly.

There was some talk Monday about bringing up McPherson with David Eckstein hurting. However, despite his obvious talents at the plate (.329 batting average with 20 homers and 67 RBI in 63 games at Class AA Arkansas), the Anaheim third baseman of the future still needs work on his defense.

He’s ready. McPherson is batting .328/.413/.676 in the Texas League.

McPherson, the Angels third baseman of the future, led the Texas League with 20 homers and 69 RBI, while batting .321. He should make his major league debut sometime in September.

McPherson is 4-for-11 in three games with the Quakes. He’s expected back with the Angels next week.

McPherson is 7-for-16 with two homers in four games. The Angels may activate him prior to Tuesday’s game.

McPherson, who has been on the disabled list since July 9, is expected to undergo tests tomorrow. ''Hopefully it won’t be long, but it was a setback,’' manager Mike Scioscia said.