When the Los Angeles Angels need a player to fill a gap — from injury or otherwise — Salt Lake pays the price by giving up its best player.
There is, says Bees manager Keith Johnson, a ripple effect.
"Nature of the beast at this level. It's Triple-A baseball," said Johnson, whose team begins a four-game series against Reno (45-29) on Saturday at Spring Mobile Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
"We were going as smooth as you can go," Johnson continued.
Salt Lake (36-38) had won five straight before losing pitcher David Pauley and getting back outfielder Kole Calhoun. Since then, the Bees have lost eight of nine.
"We had one little ripple," Johnson said.
Overall, Salt Lake has experienced 54 roster changes. Tuesday, the Angels sent catcher Hank Conger back to the Bees and recalled catcher Bobby Wilson. Also, outfielder Ryan Langerhans returns to Salt Lake on a rehab assignment after injuring his shoulder banging into an outfield wall.
"You try to do as well as you can as long as you can and try to limit those little ripples and see where it leaves you," Johnson said. "The old saying is, there's never been a major league club that begins the season with 25 guys and ends the season with those same 25 guys. At this level, more so than any other level, you feel that effect."
Sky Sox 15, Bees 5 • Andrew Brown drove in six runs as host Colorado Springs cruised to the win over Salt Lake on Friday night. Salt Lake's Greg Smith (2-5) took the loss, giving up eight runs on eight hits in 42â3 innings.
Twitter: @tribmarty —-
Schedule
Saturday • Reno at Salt Lake, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday • Reno at Salt Lake, 1:05 p.m.
Monday • Reno at Salt Lake, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday • Reno at Salt Lake, 7:05 p.m.
