Fletcher impresses in Major League debut

SEATTLE -- It's been quite the week for the Fletcher family.
One day after seeing his younger brother, Dominic, secure a trip to Omaha to play in the College World Series with Arkansas, David Fletcher learned that he'd be heading to Seattle for his first Major League callup with the Angels.
"I texted him, 'Congratulations,' and I think he texted me yesterday the same thing," said Fletcher, who started at third base in his MLB debut on Wednesday at Safeco Field vs. the Mariners. "It's an exciting week for both of us."
Fletcher collected his first Major League hit in his second at-bat against Mariners left-hander Marco Gonzales during Wednesday's 8-6 loss to the Mariners, delivering a two-run triple to right-center field to cut Seattle's lead to 4-3 in the fourth.

"It was good to get out there and get comfortable," Fletcher said. "They kept the ball for me, which is pretty cool. I think I'm going to go give it to my dad."
Fletcher made his presence felt on defense as well, as he tagged out baserunner Jean Segura at the plate for the final out of the seventh inning.
Video: LAA@SEA: Angels get a key out at home after review
The Mariners challenged the ruling, but the call was upheld following a replay review.
"The throw was a little off-line, and I kind of jumped for it," Fletcher said. "I saw Maldonado leave the plate, and I saw Segura take off, so my instincts took over to go cover the plate." 
The Angels decided to recall Fletcher after Jefry Marte suffered a left wrist sprain on Monday night. Fletcher received the good news on Tuesday afternoon while sitting by the pool with his host family in Salt Lake City. After rushing to the airport, Fletcher landed in Seattle around 6 p.m. PT and headed to Safeco Field.
"Obviously, pretty surprised," Fletcher said. "You can't really predict that."
Fletcher, 24, has been one of the top hitters in the Pacific Coast League this season, batting .350 with a .953 OPS, six home runs, five triples and 35 RBIs over 58 games. Fletcher said he worked with Triple-A Salt Lake hitting coach Donnie Ecker to make some tweaks to his swing and his approach at the plate.
"Just some swing adjustments and a little more intent to drive the baseball," Fletcher said. "That's about it."
A native of Orange, Calif., Fletcher was the Angels' sixth-round Draft pick out of Loyola Marymount in 2015. He is ranked the Angels' No. 21 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Calhoun to begin rehab assignment
Right fielder Kole Calhoun, who landed on the disabled list on June 2 with a right oblique strain, is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Salt Lake on Wednesday night.
"He's feeling much better, and he's ready to go," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.
Before the injury, Calhoun had endured a rough start to the season, batting just .145 with a .374 OPS and one home run over 50 games. He had 11 walks and 43 strikeouts over that span. Scioscia said the Angels haven't determined how many rehab games Calhoun will need before being activated.
"I think he's been working on adjustments the whole season, trying to get his swing where he wants it, and I think he feels comfortable with that," Scioscia said. "We just want him to go out there and hit and see how he feels and see how it goes."
Chris Young, Michael Hermosillo and Jabari Blash have split time in right field in Calhoun's absence, but the Angels have struggled to get steady production out of the position this year. Angels right fielders have combined to post a .434 OPS in 2018, the lowest mark in the Majors.