Angels Place Dan Haren on DL; Recall Kevin Jepsen

The Los Angeles Angels have placed right-hander Dan Haren on the 15-day disabled list with lower back stiffness, reports Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.

Dan Haren has been placed on the 15-day DL with lower back stiffness. Kevin Jepsen has been called up. #Angels

— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) July 5, 2012

To replace Haren on their roster, the Angels have called up right-hander Kevin Jepsen.

The move marks Haren’s first trip to the DL in his major league career. While nothing has been confirmed, it appears the injury was impacting the 31-year-old’s recent performance.

Haren maintained an ERA of 3.52 through the month of May, but it’s since climbed to 4.86 thanks to a 7.16 mark over the month of June. In his last start Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians, Haren allowed seven runs on nine hits and a walk over his 4 1/3 innings.

Haren’s injury and Ervin Santana’s poor performance this season had Buster Olney of ESPN speculating yesterday that the Angels could look to acquire a starting pitcher this summer.

The Angels have not announced who will start in Haren’s place Sunday.

Jepsen has appeared in 10 games for the Angels this season, allowing nine runs over his eight innings of work. The 27-year-old has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 3.24 and 1.080 over his 25 innings with the club’s Triple-A affiliate.

______________________________________________________

Should the Angels acquire a starter this summer?

______________________________________________________