Yoán Moncada Returns to Boost Los Angeles Angels Lineup
A much-needed spark is expected to ignite the Los Angeles Angels’ offense with the activation of third baseman Yoán Moncada for Tuesday night’s game against the Texas Rangers, following a five-week absence due to inflammation in his right knee.
The Angels have eagerly awaited Moncada’s return, hoping he will provide stability and power to their lineup. Prior to his injury on June 2nd, the 30-year-old switch-hitter was batting .237 with an impressive .841 OPS, six home runs, six doubles, and 19 RBIs in just 30 games. Beyond his offensive contributions, Moncada is recognized as one of the team’s most disciplined hitters, demonstrating a keen eye at the plate with 32 strikeouts and 13 walks in 113 plate appearances.
“Everyone has seen it, we know how valuable he is to us. He just anchors everything. He brings peace and calm to third base and to the lineup. I’m glad he’s here,” stated the Angels’ interim manager, Ray Montgomery.
Moncada batted sixth and played third base Tuesday evening, having recently completed a brief rehabilitation assignment with the team’s Arizona Complex League affiliate. During his rehab stint, he recorded four hits in nine at-bats, playing one game at third base.
Despite his return, Moncada acknowledged he isn’t fully recovered. “I’m not 100%,” Moncada said through an interpreter, “but the knee… I don’t feel so bad.”
During Moncada’s absence, Luis Rengifo, batting .230 with a .584 OPS, four home runs, and 20 RBIs in 83 games, and Kevin Newman, hitting .211 with a .486 OPS in 43 games, filled the role at third base. However, neither player has matched Moncada’s overall production. Rengifo will now shift to second base to cover for the injured Christian Moore, though he is still expected to see occasional starts at third as Moncada gradually returns to a full-time role.
Montgomery indicated a cautious approach to Moncada’s workload. “I think there’s a general air of precaution overall,” he said. “We have a four-day break coming up in a week. He’s missed some time. He played three games. He came out of them clean. We want to maintain that momentum, and if we can, we will.”
The Angels will closely monitor Moncada’s progress, balancing his return with the need to avoid re-injury and maximize his impact as they navigate the remainder of the season.
