The Los Angeles Angels dealt with an early rash of injuries within the opening week of the season. Beyond losing Dexter Fowler for the entirety of the season, they also placed Max Stassi, Juan Lagares, and Anthony Rendon on the 10-day Injured List for various reasons.
All three are eligible to be activated and return to the lineup this week against the Houston Astros. However, it remains to be seen exactly who will be activated and when. The Angels have already shown with Shohei Ohtani and Justin Upton that they plan on leaning on the side of cautiousness when it comes to injury.
Reportedly, Stassi and Lagares could be activated during the Angels current series against the Houston Astros. Meanwhile, the Halos may have to wait a little while longer for Rendon, until their next series against the Texas Rangers, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Joe Maddon said Max Stassi and Juan Lagares are “pretty darn close” and could be activated this series.
Anthony Rendon looking more likely to be activated off the IL in Texas.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 23, 2021
This is good news for an Angels team that has slipped a little bit offensively over the past few games. In the first 13 games of the season, L.A. averaged 5.46 runs per game, going 8-5 in those games. Over their last four, that runs per game average has gone down to 4.0 in a 1-3 stretch.
Stassi will help provide some offensive spark while Lagares can simply allow more players to get rest and reset their rhythm. Obviously, getting Rendon back will have the biggest impact.
With the Angels in the middle of a 10-game road trip exclusively against American League West opponents, it is vital that they start collecting wins now.
Mike Trout hopes to not miss any time after getting hit by a pitch
Angels star Mike Trout was hit by a pitch in the elbow against the Astros, and was eventually removed from the game with an elbow contusion. While nothing has been decided yet, he said after the game that he hopes he won’t miss any time, and that he believes he’ll be in Friday’s lineup.
