Angels add Pounders to bullpen, DFA Yates

The Angels made an adjustment to their bullpen prior to Sunday afternoon's matchup with the Blue Jays, recalling right-hander Brooks Pounders and designating Kirby Yates for assignment.
Pounders, 26, is making his first appearance on the Angels' active roster since he was acquired in a trade with the Royals in December for Minor League pitcher Jared Ruxer.
Pounders made his Major League debut with Kansas City last season, but he struggled in 13 relief appearances, allowing 13 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings for a 9.24 ERA.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he's pleased with how Pounders has progressed since Spring Training. The righty was performing well for Triple-A Salt Lake -- he posted a 1.64 ERA through 11 innings -- and can fill a multi-inning relief role for L.A.
"I think his arm is where it needs to be, his velocity has picked up," Scioscia said. "He's a guy that spins the ball well and he's got some life on his fastball, so he's throwing the ball much better right now than he did, especially early in spring for us. He's just gotten to be where he needs to be."
Yates, meanwhile, returns to the Minors after a one-game stint in Anaheim. He pitched the eighth inning against the Blue Jays on Saturday and surrendered two runs, including a home run by Toronto's Kevin Pillar.
Worth noting
• Jesse Chavez will start Monday's finale against Toronto. Chavez was slated to pitch Sunday, but his outing was pushed back after he was needed in relief in Friday's 13-inning contest.
• JC Ramirez, Matt Shoemaker and Ricky Nolasco will pitch in the Oakland series, beginning Tuesday. Nolasco was given additional days off to address a mechanical issue, Scioscia said. Nolasco threw a bullpen session Saturday and is scheduled for another Monday.
• The Angels dealt Minor League outfielder Ryan LaMarre to the A's on Sunday for a player to be named or cash considerations. LaMarre, who signed with the Angels in November, was batting .268 with seven RBIs, six walks and four stolen bases in 10 games with Triple-A Salt Lake.
• Luis Valbuena (right hamstring strain) will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Inland Empire on Monday in Modesto, Calif. He's scheduled to play five to seven games in the California League and will begin by playing third base Monday.