Lack of Flexibility Hurts McPherson

Dallas McPherson is strong enough to drive a baseball more than 400 feet, but if the Angel third baseman is to remain in the lineup enough to display that power on a regular basis, he might have to sacrifice some strength for some flexibility.

McPherson was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of inflammation in his left hip, a condition that is related to the tight left groin that knocked the rookie out of the starting lineup for five games from June 26 to 30.

Both injuries are believed to be related to the herniated disk in his lower back that sidelined McPherson for much of spring training and the first two weeks of the season, and McPherson can point to one flaw that probably left him vulnerable to all three injuries.

“A lot of my problems are caused from being a little too bulky and not flexible enough,” the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder said. “I stretch a lot, but I have to stretch even more. Maybe I have to get away from the weights more and get leaner.”

McPherson has talked to center fielder Steve Finley about his winter and in-season workout regimen, which stresses flexibility and core strengthening, and McPherson said he’s going to try yoga.

“I’m going to play around with a few things,” McPherson said. “I’ve never been hurt before, so this is all new to me too.”

The Angels replaced McPherson with utility player Zach Sorensen, who was called up Saturday from triple-A Salt Lake. To make room for Sorensen on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated triple-A utility player David Matranga for assignment.

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When choosing between Jeff DaVanon and Juan Rivera for designated hitter or a spot start in the outfield, Manager Mike Scioscia’s decision was relatively easy.

Against a right-hander, Scioscia would start DaVanon, a switch-hitter who entered this season with a .289 career average against right-handers and a .136 mark against left-handers. Against a left-hander, the right-handed Rivera would get the nod.

But with his three hits, including a home run, against Mariner left-handers Jamie Moyer and Eddie Guardado on Friday night, DaVanon is now batting .588 (10 for 17) against left-handers this season and could force his way into the lineup against more left-handers in the second half.

“His right-handed swing has always been less productive than his left-handed swing, but it’s a great story how hard Jeff has worked from the right side,” Scioscia said. “He’s in a good groove now against left-handers.”

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Steve Finley, rehabbing a strained shoulder, went two for four with a double and scored two runs at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.