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Holzemer Out; Edmonds, Davis Return

Shortstop Gary DiSarcina was in the Jacobs Field training room during Sunday’s game against Cleveland, discussing Angel fortunes with strength coach Tom Wilson.

“I said, ‘You know, I don’t think anymore bad things can happen to this team,’ ” said DiSarcina, who is nursing a strained left hamstring. “Two pitches later [Mark] Holzemer grabs his arm . . . five minutes later he’s in the training room with me.”

The Angels may need a medevac to airlift them home from this trip. Holzemer, who strained his left shoulder in the 11th inning Sunday, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, joining a list of recent casualties that includes DiSarcina, Tim Wallach (bruised finger) and Mark Eichhorn (on DL with sore shoulder).

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But for the first time in weeks, an Angel loss was offset by a gain. Center fielder Jim Edmonds, out since May 26 because of groin and abdomen strains, was activated and started against the Royals. Designated hitter Chili Davis also returned after missing six of the last seven games and had four hits, including the game-winning home run.

“It’s a bit of a helpless feeling not having all your ammunition,” said DiSarcina, who expects to sit out another game or two. “I can’t wait until everyone is healthy and plugged back into the lineup.”

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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Pitcher Steve Ontiveros suffered another setback and had to pull out of his scheduled rehabilitation start Monday night for Class-A Lake Elsinore. Ontiveros, who made two rehab starts but felt elbow discomfort after a weekend workout, will be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum today. . . . The Angels have signed seven players, including their second-round pick, Austin Peay shortstop Chuck Abbott, to minor league contracts. Also signing were Bethune Cookman outfielder Theo Fefee (15th round), Massachusetts outfielder Nathan Murphy (16th), Tampa University catcher Brian Ussery (19th), Florida International second baseman Eduardo Ferrer (24th), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo outfielder Robert Neal (27th) and College of the Sequoias pitcher Eric Plooy (35th). . . . George Arias hit .429 (15 for 35) with three home runs and 12 RBIs in seven games to earn Pacific Coast League player of the week honors Monday.

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Pitcher Ryan Hancock, whose 13th-inning double play Sunday against Cleveland was CNN’s play of the day, said there was plenty of luck involved in his 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. “I got away with four walks and some bad pitches at crucial times,” he said. “To get the double play in that situation was truly fortunate.” . . . How does closer Troy Percival get perked up in the bullpen? “Four cups of coffee before the game and three during it,” he said.

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