Halos’ Lefty Scott Downs to Begin Rehab Assignment Tonight
San Bernardino, CA – Angels’ reliever Scott Downs will begin a rehab assignment tonight with the Inland Empire 66ers. Downs will be making his first ever California League appearance when he takes the mound for the new Class ‘A’ Partner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The game can be heard beginning with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Pregame show on the 66ers flagship station, 1050 KCAA.
Downs has picked up 16 saves over the course of his 570 2/3 innings pitched during his 379 game, nine season Major League career. Some reports have predicted he will either start tonight, or make multiple appearances during the weekend with the 66ers, however no details have been released at this time. Downs is recovering from a broken bone in his left big toe. He pitched a simulated game on Tuesday.
Downs has appeared in at least 45 major league games each of the last five years for the Toronto Blue Jays. His best two years were 2007 (4-2, 2.17 ERA) and 2008 (5 saves, 1.78 ERA). In 2010 while still playing in Toronto, Downs was 5-5 with a 2.64 ERA in 67 appearances. In December the Angels signed Downs to a three-year, $15 million free-agent contract.
Downs joins the 66ers for the season opener against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on a JBS Heating and Air Conditioning Thirsty Thursday tonight at Arrowhead Credit Union Park. Gates open at 6:05 with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05. Tickets are still available at the 66ers box office, and $1 from every box office ticket sale will be put towards Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.
Inland Empire 66ers tickets are on sale now both at the 66ers box office and online at www.66ers.com. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Sam Farber, Director of Broadcasting, at 909-495-7632.
