Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Angels Announce Major Injury News Amid Mike Trout’s Slow Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 2:16 PM ET

For their sake, we hope the Los Angeles Angels weren’t counting on Yoán Moncada to carry the lineup amid Mike Trout’s struggles.

The Angels placed Moncada, who has already started seven games at third base, on the 15-day injured list with a right thumb sprain. Moncada, who turns 30 next month, left Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays after striking out in his lone at-bat.

Although the Angels won seven of their first 11 games, they’ve done so despite Trout and Moncada’s lack of success. While Trout is thankfully healthy, the three-time AL MVP nonetheless entered Thursday’s series finale against the Rays hitting just .179 with three home runs, eight RBI, and a .756 OPS over 50 plate appearances.

If Moncada eventually finds his groove at the plate, it’ll be after his first IL stint in an Angels uniform. The former top prospect joined the Angels this offseason after spending nearly a decade with the Chicago White Sox.

Moncada hit the injured list with a .190 average and four RBI in 27 plate appearances. However, he’s shown noteworthy plate discipline, walking six times against eight strikeouts.

We’ll take those numbers, considering that Moncada tallied 232 strikeouts vs. 56 walks across 835 plate appearances from 2022-24.

Luis Rengifo drew the start at third base against the Rays on Thursday. Former New York Mets infielder J.D. Davis will also likely see reps at the hot corner until Moncada returns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: