Gil, Owens Cut Back; Salmon to Have MRI

As the Angels’ season deteriorates into an extended planning session for next year, veterans Benji Gil and Eric Owens no longer play regularly against left-handers.

Owens, the right fielder against left-handers for much of the season, started Tuesday only after the Angels scratched Tim Salmon because of back spasms. The Angels already have lost designated hitter Brad Fullmer for the season and third baseman Troy Glaus indefinitely, and now Salmon is scheduled for an MRI examination today.

Owens had started one of the previous 15 games.

“I haven’t contributed as much as I’d like, but it’s not like I feel I’m an automatic out and I don’t help the team,” said Owens, hitting .222 overall but .276 against left-handers.

“I’d like to have some sort of communication going on. I understand my role, but you don’t understand when there are five or six lefties coming up and you’re not getting a start against any of them. For me, the writing is on the wall.”

Owens said he has not discussed his situation with Manager Mike Scioscia. He said he enjoys playing for the Angels but would be happy to be traded to any team needing a reserve outfielder.

Gil, batting .198 overall and .184 against left-handers, said he has gotten an explanation from Scioscia.

“He told me the offense hasn’t been clicking on all cylinders,” Gil said. “I haven’t produced the way they feel I can and the way I feel I can. They’re going to explore some different options. They’re going to do whatever it takes to try to stay in the pennant race. I agree. I want to do whatever it takes.”

Adam Kennedy, Gil’s platoon partner at second base, started there against left-handers Monday and Tuesday. With Kennedy eligible for arbitration and expected to make more than $3 million next season, the Angels might evaluate him on an everyday basis. As Owens sat Monday, Robb Quinlan made his major league debut. Quinlan got his first three hits Tuesday.

Gil, 30, and Owens, 32, each can file for free agency after the season.

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Major league officials told the Angels they could not designate pitcher Mickey Callaway for assignment, as they asked Monday, although General Manager Bill Stoneman was unclear why. So the Angels simply released Callaway on Tuesday. Stoneman said the Angels would sign him to a minor league contract if he wishes to rejoin the organization.... With Callaway removed from the roster Monday and Scott Schoeneweis traded to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, Scioscia indicated that reliever Scot Shields could be in line for a spot start next week, when the Angels play a doubleheader in Cleveland. Shields, who went 1-1 with a 2.45 earned-run average in two starts earlier this season, could be a candidate for the rotation next season.... The Angels topped the two-million mark in home attendance Tuesday, and the race for highest Southland attendance could be the only race in town that extends to the final week of the season. Through Tuesday, the Dodgers are averaging 37,630 and the Angels 37,152.