C.J. Cron Begins Baseball Activity, Wants To Return This Season

The Los Angeles Angels added veteran first baseman C.J. Cron at the trade deadline, but unfortunately, he’s been out since mid-August with a nagging back injury.

Cron initially was placed on the 10-day injured list with lower-back inflammation, finally succumbing to the ailment after 50 plate appearances in an Angels uniform. The 33-year-old posted a .217/.280./.283 slash since joining the team, tallying just one home run and five RBI.

With a little over two weeks left in the regular season, Cron is still eyeing a return to game action, per Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:

First baseman C.J. Cron (back) began doing baseball activity on the field, including taking batting practice, on Monday. Cron said he would like to make it back this season. “Just for my mental health, going into the offseason having played a few games and knowing I’m good, I think is going to go a long way,” Cron said.

Now in his 10th season in Major League Baseball, Cron understands what he needs from a physical aspect, and from a mental standpoint. Thankfully, if he’s planning on just seeing some time to get a rhythm, the Angels have a few avenues to make that happen.

The emergence of rookie Nolan Schanuel has both added a solid bat, but some taste of the future. Cron isn’t under contract past this season, as he joined the Angels on an expiring contract.

Brett Phillips used time in Angels Minor League system to refine skills

The Angels gambled when they designated veteran outfielder Brett Phillips for assignment in May, but thankfully, he cleared waivers and joined the team’s Minor League system.

Making a name for himself because of his stellar defensive play at all three outfield slots, while, at times, posting some very solid numbers against right-handed pitching. Phillips had spent the bulk of his time with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, taking the time to refine a few aspects of his game.