Stingers' Saunders to make MLB debut

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- The Angels recalled LHP Joe Saunders late Monday night from Salt Lake to start against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. Saunders will start in place of RHP Paul Byrd, who experienced stiffness in his back this past weekend. To make room for Saunders on the 25-man roster, the Angels optioned C Jeff Mathis back to Salt Lake.

Saunders, 24, will make his Major League debut as he takes the mound against LHP Scott Downs for Toronto. Saunders posted a 3-3 record and 3.46 ERA (39 IP - 15 ER) with 11 walks and 24 strikeouts in six starts for the Stingers. He tallied a complete-game one hit shutout (seven innings) on July 23 against Las Vegas. Saunders was named the Angels' Organizational Pitcher of the Month for June. He posted a 7-4 record and 3.49 ERA (105.2 IP - 41 ER) with 32 walks and 80 strikeouts in 18 starts at double-A Arkansas.

Saunders played collegiate baseball for Virginia Tech University, posting a career 27-7 collegiate record. His 27 career wins tied him for third in the Hokies' career records. Originally selected by the Angels in the first round (12th overall pick) of the 2002 draft, the Falls Church, VA native currently resides in Titusville, FL.