The Los Angeles Angels are nine games into the 2024 MLB campaign, and although their 5-4 record is likely better than many expected, they are facing issues that anyone could have seen coming. One of the biggest problems for manager Ron Washington has been the playing time battle in the outfield, and what to do with their trio of Mickey Moniak, Aaron Hicks and Jo Adell.
Through nine games, the obvious odd man out has been Adell. He has started in only two outings and has 12 plate appearances compared to Moniak’s 16 and Hicks’ 25. Without any Minor League options, neither Adell nor Moniak can be sent down to Triple-A, meaning the logjam is here to stay and Washington will continue having to keep one sidelined for long stretches.
But this isn’t a concern for Washington, as he thinks it’s too early in the season to be worrying about playing time, according to Jeff Fletcher of The O.C. Register:
“I’ve got some pretty good little ball players and I can only get nine on the field,” manager Ron Washington said. “Everyone that’s here is going to get a chance to play. We are at the 7th of April and we started the 28th of March. There’s still a lot of baseball to go. We’ll find places to get Jo in there.”
Adell has performed admirably in his limited opportunities, going 2-for-10 with a triple, two stolen bases and a sacrifice fly. Washington has recognized that from Adell and praised him for it.
“He did exactly what he’s supposed to do,” Washington said. “If you can’t get a base hit, the next best thing is to hit a sac fly. He didn’t get a base hit, but he got a sac fly. He knew his job was to get the ball in the air. And he showed that he has that capability. And that’s the mindset we want to keep him in. Do what the game asks him to do.”
How the Angels handle Adell’s playing time the rest of the season figures to be an intriguing watch. If they continue to not find a place for him in the lineup, it may be better to cut losses and find a trade for him, as him sitting on the bench is not doing him or the Angels any good.
Managing a five-player outfield is a tricky task, but Washington seems confident in his ability to handle the pressure.
Angels vs. Rays probables
The Angels face the Tampa Bay Rays in the second half of their AL East homestand. Here are the probable pitching matchups for the mid-week battle.
Monday, April 8: Tyler Anderson vs. Zach Eflin
Tuesday, April 9: Patrick Sandoval vs. Aaron Civale
Wednesday, April 10: Griffin Canning vs. Zack Littell
