There’s no doubting that the Los Angeles Angels have been battered by injury this season. A 56-56 record through 112 games may not seem ideal, but considering that Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Justin Upton, and Jared Walsh have all missed significant time, that record starts to appear favorable.
Walsh was the most recent Angels player to get hit by the injury bug, suffering a right intercostal strain on July 27 against the Colorado Rockies. It was clear almost immediately that Walsh would need some time on the Injured List, but that his stint shouldn’t have lasted significantly longer than 10 days.
Heading into the Freeway Series against the L.A. Dodgers, Joe Maddon said that a return was certainly possible. However, the series came and went and Walsh was never activated. Now, after a day off Monday, the team believes Walsh will be ready on Tuesday, via MLB.com:
Walsh was placed on the IL with a right intercostal strain, retroactive to July 27. He sustained the injury against the Rockies in his final at-bat and was taken out of the game in the eighth inning. Walsh participated in on-field workouts at Dodger Stadium during the Aug. 6-8 Freeway Series and the Angels are hopeful he’ll return Aug. 10 against the Blue Jays.
When the Angels face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, it will be in the form of a doubleheader. What this likely means is that Walsh will only play in one of the two games, then be back as a part of the full-time lineup on Wednesday.
There is always a chance that he return gets postponed further, but this is the first time that an actual target return date has been set during Walsh’s injury.
The Angels have gotten by with Phil Gosselin as their first baseman, but having an All-Star back in the batting order is always preferable.
Dexter Fowler joining Angels clubhouse
After being away from the team for almost the whole season to focus on recovery from a torn ACL, Dexter Fowler recently re-joined the clubhouse. While any possibility of a return was immediately ruled out, Fowler said he wanted to provide some veteran leadership.
Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh are in prime position to learn from one of the game’s most reliable outfielders. The two have had their ups and downs in their short stints this season, but continue to show immense promise.
