When the Los Angeles Angels announced their Opening Day roster for the 2023 season, Jared Walsh and Max Stassi were among the notable omissions.
Walsh was excluded due to experiencing headaches and insomnia, while Stassi was left off after suffering a hip injury during a Minor League Spring Training game. However, Stassi is also away from the team because of a family emergency.
According to Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group, Walsh has resumed swinging with Triple-A Salt Lake but there is no timeline on when he will return to the Angels:
First baseman Jared Walsh (headaches, insomnia) has been making progress on the issues at a facility in Utah, Nevin said. Walsh began taking swings with the Angels’ Triple-A team in Salt Lake City. Nevin said there is still “no timetable” for Walsh to return.
Angels manager Phil Nevin could not offer an update on when Stassi will return and suggested he is still dealing with an off-the-field issue:
Catcher Max Stassi (hip) is on the injured list, but the family emergency that initially took him away from the team is the primary issue, Nevin said. “Keep him in your thoughts,” Nevin said. “That’s all I can say.”
With Walsh unavailable for the time being, Jake Lamb has benefitted with opportunities at first base. He is currently part of a platoon with David Fletcher.
Stassi was supposed to serve as the backup catcher behind top prospect Logan O’Hoppe, but the role is instead being filled by Matt Thaiss, who likely would have made the Angels Opening Day roster anyway due to his lack of Minor League options.
Perry Minasian won’t guarantee Angels make postseason in 2023
After a disappointing 2022 campaign, the Angels spent most of the offseason retooling their roster in hopes of being more competitive this year. The early results have been promising as they jumped out to a 3-1 start entering play Tuesday.
Despite the success, Angels general manager Perry Minasian stopped short of guaranteeing the team would make the playoffs this season. L.A. is looking to advance to October for the first time since 2014.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!
