TEMPE, ARIZ. -- Los Angeles Angels reliever Scott Downs, the team's most expensive free-agent acquisition this winter, fractured his left big toe in an accident at his Arizona residence and will miss at least two weeks, the team announced Wednesday morning.
"I was just doing normal dad stuff at home," Downs said. He said the toe swelled up and "turned purple."
The Angels open the season March 31 in Kansas City, so Downs likely will begin the season on the disabled list.
"Obviously it's disappointing but occasionally things happen," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "Hopefully this won't set Scott too far back, but with the season approaching, his availability Opening Day, just doesn't look like that's going to happen."
Said Downs: "It's obviously very frustrating, but I think it's just a minor setback."
Downs flew to Los Angeles on Tuesday, where he was examined by team doctors. He was back in Arizona with the team Wednesday.
The Angels signed Downs, a left-hander, to a three-year, $15 million deal during the winter. He spent the previous six seasons pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Downs said he will play catch and ride the bike the next two weeks, but he is not supposed to run and can't throw off a mound.
Ramona Shelburne is a reporter and columnist for ESPNLosAngeles.com.