Angels to call up top outfield prospect Peter Bourjos

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Peter Bourjos left the Angels’ triple-A Salt Lake team on Monday and will join the Angels Tuesday in Baltimore, where the speedy 23-year-old outfield prospect is expected to get considerable playing time in his first big league stint.

Manager Mike Scioscia hinted at the move Sunday, saying Bourjos was one of the players who has ‘opened a lot of eyes and moved up on the depth chart,’ adding that any minor league player who was recalled would be to ‘help us this season, not just in the future.’

Though Juan Rivera was the team’s top hitter in July, batting .319, the Angels have been unhappy with his sluggish play in left field. In anticipation of a possible switch, the Angels moved Bourjos from center field to left field at Salt Lake last week. Rivera could spell Bobby Abreu in right field and Hideki Matsui at designated hitter.

Bourjos went on a tear in July, setting a Pacific Coast League record for hits in a month with 52, and he is batting .314 with 13 homers, 13 doubles, 12 triples and 27 stolen bases in 32 attempts. To make room for Bourjost on the 25-man roster, the Angels are expected to send one of their extra relievers -- Bobby Cassevah, Michael Kohn or Rich Thompson -- back to Salt Lake.

--Mike DiGiovanna