Yoán Moncada is in trouble again. And it’s not due to poor performance, nor a lack of commitment. It’s the same old thing: injuries. The Los Angeles Angels opted for the Cuban to bolster their infield, but just days before the season kickoff, there are already doubts about whether he’ll be ready for March 27. A deep bruise to his right thumb has sidelined him, and although there’s no fracture, the uncertainty remains.
Ron Washington, the team’s veteran manager, made it clear: “It looks like he’ll be out for a while. Nothing’s broken, but we’ll have to wait for it to heal before he can hit again.” Moncada, 29, was removed from the lineup late Friday. According to Washington, even the player himself doesn’t know how the injury occurred. “One day he just came in, and the doctor said his thumb was hurt. It could have been something that happened and he didn’t feel it until the next day. But it’s a deep bruise, he can’t throw, and he’s having trouble hitting.”
For Moncada, it’s another blow in a career that has been plagued by trips to the disabled list. He played just 12 games in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox due to a strained left adductor muscle. When he finally returned in September, the team decided not to use him in the final days of the season. Over the past three years, he has only played 208 games. The White Sox saw no justification for paying him the $25 million option and released him this offseason.
The halos, in need of infield depth, signed him for $5 million, hoping a change of scenery would help him regain his form. But before his season even begins, he’s already in doubt. His absence changes the Angels’ plans. Luis Rengifo, who had also been dealing with an injury of his own, now appears to be the primary third baseman. With this, Tim Anderson, another player seeking redemption, appears to be the favorite to take over at second base heading into the regular season.