Back injury lands Haren on DL for first time

Anaheim, CA – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Dan Haren was placed on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his career on Thursday.

Thanks to lower back stiffness, the 10-year pro will miss some time. The team recalled pitcher Kevin Jepsen from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his spot. The move is retroactive to July 4.

After the 2004 season, the that saw him start 14 games, Haren has made at least 33 starts in each season since. Since 2005, he leads the majors with 254 starts.

This year, he is 6-8 with a 4.86 earned run average over 17 starts, but was coming off a loss on Tuesday that saw him give up seven runs -- six earned -- against Cleveland.