Thompson Placed on DL, Diaz and Smith Join Bees

The Salt Lake Bees announced today that the club has placed right-handed pitcher Rich Thompson on the Disabled List with a left pectoral strain and right-handed pitcher Amalio Diaz has been transferred from Double-A Arkansas to Triple-A Salt Lake. Also joining the Bees is left-handed pitcher Will Smith from Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Thompson, 25, has appeared in eight games of relief for the Bees in 2010, owning a 0.00 ERA in 15 innings pitched, having allowed only nine hits while striking out 13. In 2009, he owned a 3-1 record with a 3.12 ERA in 29 games for the Bees. He also appeared in 13 games for the Angels last season, registering a 5.12 ERA. The Hornsby, Australia native was originally signed by the Angels as a free agent in 2002.

Diaz, 23, has appeared in 10 games of relief for the Travelers in 2010, owning a 2.29 ERA with two saves and 16 strikeouts. In 2009, he appeared in 36 games (14 starts) for the Travs, owning a 3-7 record with a 3.65 ERA and 83 strikeouts. The Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela native was originally signed by the Angels as a free agent in 2003.

Smith, 20, has appeared in six games (all starts) for the Quakes in 2010, owning a 2-2 record with a 4.58 ERA and 31 strikeouts. In 2009, he pitched in 20 games (19 starts) for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, owning a 10-5 record with a 3.76 ERA and 95 strikeouts. The Newnan, Ga. native was originally selected by the Angels in the seventh round of the 2008 draft.

The 15-14 Salt Lake Bees conclude an eight-game road trip today against the Fresno Grizzlies at 1:05 p.m. The game can be heard live on AM 1230 KFAN 2. The team returns home tomorrow night to begin an eight-game homestand against the Round Rock Express at 6:35 p.m. at Spring Mobile Ballpark. For more information about Bees season tickets, which start as low as $7 per game, call (801) 325-BASE or visit slbees.com.