ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Angels placed first baseman Darin Erstad on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, an injury that limited him to 67 games last season.

To fill the roster spot, the Angels called up first baseman Casey Kotchman, the Angels' No. 1 draft pick in 2001, from Double-A Arkansas early Sunday and to make his major league debut. He was 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly in Anaheim's 8-4 win over Tampa Bay.

The first baseman began his pro career playing for his father, Provo Angels manager Tom Kotchman.

Erstad's injury occurred in the third inning of Saturday night's 7-2 victory over Tampa Bay when he was trying to score from second on a single to left by Troy Glaus. Erstad grabbed his hamstring about 25 feet past third base and labored the rest of the way to home plate before he was tagged out.

"I knew it was serious. I've had so much experience with them," said Erstad, who is on the DL for the fifth time in his nine-year career and fourth time due to hamstring injuries.

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The Angels, who lead the majors with a 22-10 record, now have three of their top players on the DL. Center fielder Garret Anderson is out indefinitely with a back problem, and designated hitter Tim Salmon isn't expected to return until the next homestand because of a sore knee.

Things may be getting worse. Left fielder Jose Guillen could end up on the DL as well after spraining his right knee and ankle sliding into second base with a double on Sunday.

"We've got great guys on the bench," Erstad said. "We've been through all this stuff before, so these guys know how to handle it and we'll be just fine."

Manager Mike Scoscia has been encouraged by the play of reserves Chone Figgins, Jeff DaVanon and Shane Halter.

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