Angels activate Norris, add Franklin to roster

ANAHEIM -- The Angels reinstated right-hander Bud Norris from the 10-day disabled list Saturday. The club optioned right-hander Brooks Pounders to Triple-A Salt Lake following Friday night's 10-0 loss to the Mariners to make room for Norris.
Norris hit the DL on June 20 with right knee inflammation, and last appeared for the Angels on June 18.
The former starting pitcher has manned the closer role over a portion of the year, and has converted 11 save opportunities in 13 chances, posting a 2.43 ERA across 33 1/3 innings.
With Norris back, manager Mike Scioscia said the club will approach the closer job by committee, and "over the course of a week, we will use every bullpen piece in whatever roles come up or whatever matchups come up."
Franklin reports to club, Marte optioned
Infielder Jefry Marte was optioned to Salt Lake on Saturday to make way for infielder Nick Franklin to be added to the Halos' 25-man roster.
Franklin, who was acquired Friday from the Brewers for cash or a player to be named later, started at second base Saturday. In 20 games for Milwaukee this season, Franklin mostly played in the outfield (18 appearances), but boasts 134 total career appearances at the position.
"I think he's got potential to be a tough out at the plate," Scioscia said. "We're obviously trying to get a little more continuity on the offensive side, so hopefully, he'll bring us some."
Franklin, who was chosen by the Mariners two picks after the Angels took Mike Trout in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft, slashed .195/.258/.317 in 53 games with the Brewers this season.
With Marte gone, Scioscia said Cliff Pennington is a potential option to spell Luis Valbuena at first base.
Trout update
Trout said his second live batting-practice session Saturday went "a bit smoother" than his first, adding he will need "four or five" more sessions before determining the next step in his rehab.
"He's moving in the right direction," Scioscia said. "He'll hit again tomorrow, take batting practice in the cage, but get the same workout in, and we'll see where it leads."
Trout, who had surgery on a torn UCL in his left thumb May 31, added that he's a "full go" on other baseball activities.
When asked whether he would consider returning to play in the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, Trout grinned, then said, "We'll see what happens."
Worth noting
• Left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney threw 90 pitches -- "the equivalent of four-plus innings of pitches" -- in a bullpen session Saturday. He will join the AZL Angels this week as he continues his rehab from a UCL injury in his left elbow.
Heaney will complete a couple of more workouts before pitching in games, according to Scioscia, who called the progress remarkable.
"Everything was as good as you could've hoped for," Scioscia said. "He has a ways to go, but he's on the right track."
Saturday marked one year since Heaney underwent Tommy John surgery, which has sidelined him for the entire year. The southpaw said he feels good and his intention is to pitch at some point this season.
• Matt Shoemaker (right forearm extensor strain) threw 30-plus pitches during a bullpen session Saturday. The right-handed pitcher was placed on the disabled list June 17.