Angels DFA Thompson; recall Mills

The Angels designated right-hander Rich Thompson for assignment on Saturday, recalling soft-tossing lefty Brad Mills from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his place on the roster.

Thompson gave up four runs, and the lead, in the eighth inning at Target Field on Thursday. The Angels now have 10 days to place him on waivers, trade him or release him.

“Thanks to all the Angels fans; it’s been a pleasure,” Thompson wrote on his Twitter account. “Everyone has treated me with the utmost respect, and I appreciate you all.”

Acquired in exchange for catcher Jeff Mathis in December, Mills was up with the club on Friday in case Scott Downs (now listed as day-to-day with a right ankle contusion) had to go on the DL.

Mills had a nice spring, but has almost no experience as a reliever.

– Alden Gonzalez