The Los Angeles Angels third base curse continues with Yoán Moncada’s spot on the Opening Day roster in doubt due to a thumb injury. After being scratched from Friday’s Cactus League lineup with thumb soreness, Yoán Moncada could require time on the injured list. The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $5 million deal with Los Angeles in February after eight years with the White Sox. He was expected to replace Anthony Rendon, who recently underwent hip surgery, as the Angels’ everyday third baseman.
Moncada has had a troubling history of injuries throughout his career but was hoping to start fresh in Los Angeles. He has remained relatively healthy throughout Spring Training, hitting .190/.393/.381 with one homer over 10 Cactus League contests. However, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports that Moncada’s thumb injury is worse than initially expected.
Los Angeles will keep an eye on Moncada, but the plan is to give his thumb time to “settle down” before letting him try to hit. As for his availability for Opening Day, Washington says, “We’ve just got to wait and see.” The Angels will evaluate Moncada throughout the week and update his return timeline accordingly.
Angels Third Baseman Yoán Moncada Suffers Thumb Injury in Spring Training
Moncada’s potential absence from the Opening Day lineup calls the state of the Angels infield into question. Luis Rengifo, who made his Cactus League debut on Friday after injuring his hamstring, would likely shift to the hot corner in Moncada’s absence. Los Angeles has eased Rengifo into camp slowly after his wrist surgery last August. Washington believes the 28-year-old utilityman can be ready for Opening Day despite initial concerns about starting on the injured list.
The Halos were expecting Rengifo to play second base, but Moncada’s injury could open a roster spot for his former White Sox teammate, Tim Anderson. Anderson is in camp with the Angels as a non-roster invitee and would be the most likely starter at second. Kevin Newman is expected to be the Halos starting shortstop until Zach Neto returns after having shoulder surgery last November.
Despite being limited to just 208 games over the past three seasons, Moncada, when healthy, is an elite defender and a reliable middle-of-the-order bat. The 29-year-old switch-hitter suffered a near season-ending adductor strain in April but still hit .275/.356/.400 in 12 games. On Saturday, Moncada said that his thumb was feeling better, offering hope that he might be available for Opening Day.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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