Relying on a platoon of Matt Thaiss and Chad Wallach behind the plate, the Los Angeles Angels have fielded a decent duo in the interim until rookie Logan O’Hoppe returns from injury.
O’Hoppe suffered a tear in his labrum in late April, and has since undergone surgery to repair it. In recent weeks, he’s progressed to hitting off of a tee and ultimately feeling up to par physically.
The Angels have been pleased with his focus during this time, and given the extensive work O’Hoppe put in with the pitching staff early in the season, it’s imperative they play it safe. Thankfully, he’s been given the green light to take another step in continuing his rehab with game action.
Angels manager Phil Nevin inherited a new crop of talent at the trade deadline, putting the Angels in a full-steam-ahead spot. Keeping O’Hoppe on the right path is a way they can add another piece to the puzzle.
What can Logan O’Hoppe provide the Angels in his return?
When his rehab assignment is over, it puts him on schedule to return with a little over a month of regular season baseball to acclimate himself to the team. Prior to injury, O’Hoppe posted a .283/.339/.547 slash with four homers and 13 RBIs in 16 games.
The 23-year-old showed some impressive command of the catcher position in April, and by all accounts, he began to unlock his power stroke. The concern is that a labrum tear could suck some of that away, and some leniency should be given in case it does take his body some time to figure itself out.
More must-reads: