Angels call up Alexi Amarista, Gil Velazquez from Salt Lake

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The Angels called up utility players Alexi Amarista and Gil Velazquez from triple-A Salt Lake, which concluded its season Monday, and both are expected to be in uniform for Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners.

The baseball commissioner’s office also announced that Ercilio De La Cruz, an outfielder with the Angels’ Dominican Summer League team, has received a 50-game suspension for an elevated testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, indicating use of a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the minor league’s drug policy.

The suspension, the first drug-related suspension of an Angels minor leaguer this season, will be effective at the start of next season.

Amarista hit .146 with two doubles and four runs batted in for the Angels in 20 games earlier this season. The versatile switch-hitter, who can play three infield positions and all three outfield spots, hit .292 with 24 doubles, four homers and 50 RBIs at Salt Lake this season.

Velazquez, who appeared in nine games for the Boston Red Sox in 2008 and 2009, hit .328 with 25 doubles, eight homers and 58 RBIs for Salt Lake.

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-- Mike DiGiovanna