The Los Angeles Angels called up 24-year-old Jo Adell to supplement the big league roster amidst a wave of injuries, mainly that of Mike Trout going down with a fracture in his left wrist.
Having spent most of the season in Triple-A with the Salt Lake Bees, Adell has posted a .956 on-base plus slugging with 23 home runs, 55 RBI, 59 runs scored with 40 walks. The Angels have been slow on the trigger to put him on the Major League roster because of his up & down run of play, but out of necessity, they need him.
Still a young player, Adell has been in professional baseball since 2017 and feels like he’s a veteran already. But he’s never been given a full runway, and this stretch of games could be his best shot to prove himself, per Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“To be quite honest with you, I think I’ve had enough moments now to where you could say that I’m a factor,” Adell said. “I can be in a lineup and play and help a team win. I don’t really think it’s ‘Can I be here?’ It’s not a ‘happy to be here’ thing. I’m more than ready to help and do my job.”
Angels manager Phil Nevin has needed to play roster shuffle, and although his circumstances aren’t ideal by any means, he’s expecting Adell to be a regular contributor:
“You’re going to see a lot of Jo,” Nevin said, “and I think he’s ready for this opportunity.”
The plus side of these roster changes is the upside of a new influx of guys, which could spark something. Nevin’s club isn’t out of the race yet, but time is ticking to find a hot stretch.
The Angels are in a tough spot without Trout on the club, but if Adell can show off some of his talent that made him the top prospect in baseball, they may be able to tread water for the time being.
Angels hoping to avoid injured list stint for Anthony Rendon
Anthony Rendon suffered a nasty contusion on his leg during Tuesday’s game, and having missed around 35 games on the IL since the start of the 2023 season, it has put a damper on his ability to contribute to the offense.
Rendon’s ability to hit with runners in scoring position is key to the Angels’ success, but his latest freak injury could keep him out if things don’t improve.
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