The Los Angeles Angels in their ultra-aggressive approach to the 2023 spent a decent chunk of their prospect capital to acquire known commodities to supplement their push for a postseason bid. However, the exodus of multiple top farmhands meant the overall ranking of the prospect pool within the organization would take a dip.
MLB Pipeline releases a list of their top-100 prospects at multiple times throughout the year, but in their most recent update, the Angels had a singular representative in Logan O’Hoppe, who slotted in at No. 31. The 23-year-old backstop still has eligibility which meets the criteria to be named because of his time spent on the injured list this season.
Prior to going on the IL, O’Hoppe posted a .886 on-base plus slugging with four home runs, 13 RBI and was building a solid rapport with members of the Angels pitching staff. However, in a series against the New York Yankees in late April, he suffered a tear in his labrum and has since undergone surgery to repair the injury.
His latest update was the initiation of a rehab assignment for the rookie, which hints that he’s begun the process to return to the club at some point this season, barring any setbacks. Angels manager Phil Nevin spoke on the preparedness of O’Hoppe earlier in the year, which speaks volumes of what the club thinks of him.
O’Hoppe being the only named on MLB Pipeline’s midseason list only became clear after the team traded away Ky Bush and Edgar Quero in the deal that sent the pair to the Chicago White Sox. In return, they acquired Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López, two needed arms on their Major League roster.
Logan O’Hoppe notches two hits in rehab assignment
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.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!