The Angels added first baseman Russell Branyan to the team Thursday morning. Branyan, 35, had been designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks last Saturday and was officially released Thursday morning.  Branyan had sign a minor league contract with Arizona last February.

Branyan was hitting hitting .210 (13-for-62) with 2 RBI and one home run in 31 games with Arizona.  The left-handed-hitting first baseman can also play third base and the outfield.  Known for his big-time power and big-time strikeout totals, Branyan will be in uniform for Thursday's Angel-A's game.

To make room for Branyan, the Angels placed Howie Kendrick on the DL with a strained right hamstring.