Angels activate pair of Stingers

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Following the Salt Lake Stingers' final game of the 2004 season Monday at Las Vegas, the Anaheim Angels — the Stingers' MLB affiliate — recalled third baseman Dallas McPherson and right-handed pitcher Matt Hensley.

McPherson and Hensley have joined the Angels and were activated for Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium. Also on Tuesday, the Angels announced the release of pitcher Ben Weber.

McPherson, Hensley and Weber were all active on Salt Lake's roster at the conclusion of the Stingers' season.

McPherson, 24, led the Angels' organization with a combined 40 home runs and 126 RBI in 135 games for Arkansas and Salt Lake in the 2004 season. He batted .321 (84-of-262) with 53 runs scored, 17 doubles, six triples, 20 home runs, 69 RBIs, and six stolen bases in 68 games for Double-A Arkansas before being transferred to Salt Lake on June 22.

He had almost identical numbers for the Stingers, batting .313 (81-259) with 54 runs scored, 19 doubles, eight triples, 20 home runs, 57 RBIs and six stolen bases in 67 games. McPherson also set a career high with 169 strikeouts this season, 74 for Arkansas and 95 for the Stingers.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2001 free agent draft, McPherson was recalled on Monday for the first time in his four-year career. His first game for the Angels' will be his major league debut.

MARLINS SIGN PITCHER: The Florida Marlins signed free-agent pitcher David Weathers on Wednesday in an attempt to strengthen their bullpen for a run at the National League wild card.

Weathers was released by the Houston Astros last month after being acquired in a June trade with the New York Mets. He is 6-7 this year with a 4.52 ERA. An original Marlin in 1993, Weathers has a 51-62 career record with a 4.49 ERA.

Weathers will be available for Wednesday night's game against the Mets.

To make room for Weathers on the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated minor league outfielder Chip Ambres for assignment.

SIMON RELEASED, CUMMINGS RECALLED: The Tampa Bay Devil Rays released first baseman-designated hitter Randall Simon on Wednesday and recalled outfielder Midre Cummings from Triple-A Durham.