Scott Downs earned the victory in relief by pitching a scoreless 10th as the Angels edged the Nationals 4-3 on Monday.

Maicer Izturis singled in Alberto Callaspo to end the game in the 10th. Downs moved to 5-2 by pitching a perfect 10th inning after Jordan Walden blew his sixth save in the ninth. We doubt the Angels will make a switch in the closer's role after this, but if they do, the obvious choice would be to go to Downs.

Scott Downs took a fluke loss after giving up a run in the bottom of the ninth Thursday against the Mariners.

What a way to lose his perfect ERA. The inning started with Jack Cust's accidental swinging bunt down the third-base line with the shift on. After a sac bunt and a groundout, Carlos Peguero hit a routine fly to center that Torii Hunter lost in the sun, giving the Mariners the game. Downs, who seems to be next in line for the closer's role on the Angels if Jordan Walden continues to struggle, had pitched 10 scoreless innings this season.

Angels activated LHP Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list.

As expected. Downs began the season on the DL with a fractured toe and recently came down with a gastrointestinal virus. He hasn't allowed a run over his first two appearances with the Angels.

Scott Downs (gastrointestinal virus) is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Friday.

Downs threw a bullpen session Monday and will do so again on Wednesday. He return to his setup duties in the seventh and eighth inning.

Angels placed LHP Scott Downs on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 14, with a gastrointestinal virus.

It's his second trip to the disabled list this season. Downs hasn't pitched since April 13, so he'll be eligible to return as soon as next weekend. The southpaw has lost about 10 pounds due to the illness, so he's going to need a few days to get back into playing shape.

Scott Downs (food poisoning) will likely be unavailable for a few more days.

Downs lost 10 pounds over three days with what may or may not have been food poisoning. He hasn't pitched since April 13, so we're a little surprised the Angels haven't gone ahead and put him on the DL. It sounds like he'll be ready soon, though.

Scott Downs (flu) is available out of the bullpen Tuesday.

Downs is still feeling weak from a virus but evidently good enough to pitch if needed. He hasn't appeared in a game since last Wednesday.

Scott Downs (flu) is unavailable for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Downs reported to the park Monday and even played some catch, but was sent back to the hotel. He has lost six pounds in the past three days, so it might take him a day or two to get back to normal.

The Angels are hoping that Scott Downs (flu) will be available on Monday against the Rangers.

Downs hasn't pitched since Wednesday because of a flu-like illness that seems to be spreading around baseball. He's made only two appearances this year.

Scott Downs said Sunday that he's dealing with flu-like symptoms.

It's not clear how long he's been under the weather, but he hasn't appeared in a game since Wednesday. Presumably, he could be unavailable for another day or two until he gets better.

Angels activated LHP Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list.

Downs broke his toe in March and began the season on the DL. The veteran southpaw was signed to a three-year, $15 million contract this winter after posting a 2.64 ERA and 48/14 K/BB ratio over 61 1/3 innings with the Blue Jays last season. He'll provide a big boost for an Angels bullpen that is in flux.

Scott Downs (toe) will pitch in a rehab game again Saturday and is likely to come off the disabled list Monday or Tuesday.

Downs didn't pitch well in his first rehab appearance Thursday, but the important thing is that he feels healthy and is getting his work in. He'll help set up Jordan Walden when he's ready.

Scott Downs (toe) turned in a shaky rehab outing for Class-A Inland Empire on Thursday, allowing a run, two hits and a walk in just one inning of work.

He is expected to make at least one more rehab appearance before making his Angels debut. Downs held lefties to a .152 batting average against last season, and wasn't too shabby against righties, either, posting a .243 batting average against. He should provide Los Angeles' struggling bullpen a big boost.

Scott Downs (toe) is scheduled to pitch one inning with Class-A Inland Empire on Thursday.

He'll make at least one more rehab appearance before being reevaluated. If all goes well, the left-hander should make his Angels' debut by mid-April.

Scott Downs (toe) threw 15 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday and felt good.

Downs also ran through a set of infield drills. He's likely to head out on a minor league rehab assignment by the end of this week and should be available out of the Angels' bullpen by the middle of April.

Scott Downs (toe) will pitch in a simulated game Tuesday.

If that goes well, he could go out on a rehab assignment shortly after. He's already been throwing off a mound for a few days and should be back in the Angels bullpen soon, assuming he doesn't have any setbacks.

Angels placed LHP Scott Downs on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 22, with a left big toe fracture.

Downs broke his toe a little over two weeks ago, but has already begun throwing off a mound. Look for him to return sometime around mid-April.

Scott Downs (toe) threw 20 pitches off the bullpen mound Monday.

Downs suffered a broken big left toe horsing around with his kids earlier this month and will begin the season on the disabled list. On the bright side, it looks like the southpaw could be ready to return as soon as mid-April.

Scott Downs is expected to miss at least two weeks with a broken big left toe.

"I was just doing normal dad stuff at home," said Downs, who suffered the injury at his home. He is expected to play catch and ride a bike over the next two weeks, but will not run or throw off a mound. Realistically, it could be closer to a month before he returns. The veteran southpaw was signed to a three-year, $15 million contract this winter after posting a 2.64 ERA and 48/14 K/BB ratio over 61 1/3 innings with the Blue Jays last season.

Scott Downs will open the season on the disabled list with a broken left big toe.

Tough break for the southpaw, who signed a three-year, $15 million deal over the winter. The Angels have yet to provide a timetable for his return, though it's worth noting that Downs has missed time in the past with an injury to the very same toe.