The Los Angeles Angels have been without rookie catcher Logan O’Hoppe since April 20, when he suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder during a game against the New York Yankees.
The injury occurred in the ninth inning after O’Hoppe roped a single down the left field line. While running to first base, he heard a “pop” in his shoulder and immediately slammed his helmet to the ground in frustration.
In what has been a lengthy recovery process, O’Hoppe is finally nearing a return to the Angels. He began a Minor League rehab assignment with Low-A Inland Empire on Tuesday and went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.
O’Hoppe had a much better showing in his second rehab game on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with a walk. He can spent 20 days on a rehab assignment before returning to the Angels at the end of August.
Single-A Inland Empire won, 7-4:
Logan O’Hoppe: 2-4, BB, 2 R
Jadiel Sanchez: 1-3, 2 BB, R
Alberto Rios: 1-4, BB
Denzer Guzman: 1-3, 2 BB, 3B, 4 RBI, 2 R
Ben Gobbel: 2-5, R
Ronaldo Flores: 3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI#SellTheTeamArte— AngelsMiLB (@AngelsMiLB) August 10, 2023
Prior to his injury, O’Hoppe had emerged as one of the most promising young catchers in all of baseball. A consensus top-50 prospect, he hit .283/.339/.547 with two doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI in 16 games.
O’Hoppe also had favorable defensive metrics behind the plate and regularly received praise from the pitching staff.
The Angels acquired the 22-year-old from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Brandon Marsh at the trade deadline last year.
Angels catching situation without Logan O’Hoppe
With O’Hoppe sidelined, the Angels have relied on a catching tandem of Matt Thais and Chad Wallach for most of the 2023 season.
The duo has been below league average from an offensive standpoint, but their defense and game-calling ability should not be overlooked.
