Cron can't shake slow start, sent to Triple-A Salt Lake

C.J. Cron needs to play regularly, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

That opportunity with the Angels hasn't been available recently thanks to Cron's struggles to start the season. As a result, Cron was sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday. Utilityman Grant Green has been recalled.

Cron did not play in five of the club's last nine games including the walk-off win over the Padres at Angel Stadium on Memorial Day.

He's hitting .204 this season with a home run and six RBI as the team's primary designated hitter.

Since Marc Krauss was called up earlier this month, he's played in 10 of a possible 13 games. Nine of those appearances have been as a starter at either first base or the as the team's designated hitter –getting at-bats that were previously designated for Cron.

During spring training Cron hit .413 and appeared prime for a breakout season but that never carried over to the regular season.   

"He's a guy we had high hopes for coming out of spring training," Scioscia said of Cron. "He had a terrific spring and (we) still have high hopes he's going to get into his game and contribute and be a part of what we know is our need for an offensive resurgence and hopefully he'll get the at-bats and get there."

Green has been recalled for the second time this season. He was 2-for-6 with three runs scored during his brief time with the Angels earlier this season.