Los Angeles Angels utilityman Brandon Drury was in the midst of a torrid month of June, posting his best stretch with the team and helping carry the offense along with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
On the season, Drury has posted a 122 wRC+ with 14 home runs and 45 RBI. But his 106 plate appearances this past month were delightful as he logged a 150 wRC+ with five homers and 18 RBI.
His hottest run as a member of the Angels was halted for the time being after suffering a bruised shoulder after diving for a ball on June 29. The team opted to place Drury on the injured list before the All-Star break rather than have him play through the injury and make things worse, per J.P. Hoornstra of the O.C. Register:
“I think having him at 100% when we come out of the break, rather than fight through something and possibly damage it more and (have the injury) last a little longer, is the smart move,” Manager Phil Nevin said.
Drury getting time to heal his shoulder without missing more games than needed is massive, a welcomed sight for the 30-year-old who’ll prove to be a needed piece the rest of the season. Luckily for the Angels, it came at the best possible time:
“The All-Star break’s huge, having the extra five days to rest it, treat it, get it back feeling better for the second half,” Drury said.
Getting Drury off his feet and without swinging a bat is paramount to halt the injury. But his return to the lineup in a healthy spot is also needed because Trout suffered a left hamate fracture that will keep him out for roughly one to two months.
What has Brandon Drury meant to the Angels this season?
Drury has played every infield position for the Angels, except for shortstop. However, his most time has come at second base. He grades out best defensively at second, posting a 5.6 UZR/150 in 422 innings.
Nevin has been strategic in his deployment of Drury and has also supplemented the absence of Jared Walsh with a solid right-handed bat.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!
