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CHICAGO – As the final weeks of the season draw to a close, the Angels have remained hopeful that various players on the injured list could return before the end of the year. On Wednesday, however, manager Joe Maddon was quite candid with reporters when he discussed the chances of that happening.
Jo Adell took part in the 10-day IL on Wednesday after being absent from both games before recovering from what the team called back pain, which occurred after hitting the wall in left field Saturday against the Astros. Maddon said ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the White Sox that Adell may be able to take part in the game, but after further conversations with coaching staff, the skipper learned that staff thought it was an injury to Adell’s left abdomen that required her placement on the IL.
When asked if he expects Adell to return to the pitch this season, Maddon was unsure if the timing would allow it.
“I mean, these injuries are a little weird, and they might take longer [to recover from], “he said.” Where are we at, we have about two weeks left? It would be hard to imagine that. If I had to say it, I would expect him not to, but we’ll see. ”
Adell’s situation then led to questions about the potential return of another injured Angels outfielder: Mike Trout.
The three-time American League MVP hasn’t had much of a chance to compete for a fourth, as Trout has been on the IL since May 18 with right calf strain. He has continued his drug rehab for the past four months and has joined Los Angeles on various road trips, all with the goal of returning to the field before the end of the season. Even though the 30-year-old hasn’t played in a game since May 17, Maddon said Trout is as committed as anyone on the squad.
“The guy wants to be there so badly,” Maddon said. “You watch him in the canoe every night, he’s on all terrains. He comes, talks to me during the game. He is absolutely, totally committed.
But will the Angels superstar center fielder play again in 2021?
“I don’t expect him to play today or tomorrow, or anytime soon, because there’s always that process of having to be at bat,” Maddon said. “… It would be very difficult. “
Maddon has made it clear that he is not making an official statement on Trout or Adell’s prospects this year, but instead giving his honest thoughts on the situation for both players.
In case those official statements confirm what Maddon believes, he at least wanted to talk about what both players have been able to bring to the Angels this year.
Although Adell played three games less after being recalled on August 2 than in his first season in 2020, Maddon believed he had improved in almost every area. In just six more batting appearances in the past month and more than in this pandemic-cut season, Adell has increased his RBI total by 19, crossed out 23 times and increased his slash line. from .161 / .212 / .266 to. 246 / .295 / .408.
“I think you have to give him more grades in everything last year, up to his consciousness, understand the game better,” Maddon said. “I think he’s about to be this guy, this ‘I belong here, I can do this’ kind of guy, where he can really help you win games. I think the improvement has been dramatic, actually.
In Trout’s case, his injury forced him to play fewer games in 2021 (36) than in his rookie season in 2011 (40, his previous career low). But even if it is something as simple as buying pizza for the team – and making sure the manager gets his green olives – Maddon considers Trout “the consummate team player.” “.
So whether or not Trout returns the pitch for the Angels this year, his consistent demeanor more than impressed Maddon.
“He’s engaged with this group,” he said. “The conversations are wonderful. He wants the Angels to win so badly, and we just have to work towards that – and make sure he’s very healthy.
Maddon declined to comment on reports that an arrest warrant had been issued for Luis Rengifo in his home country, Venezuela, for allegedly falsifying divorce documents. The Angels had not yet commented on the situation Wednesday night.
Rengifo released a statement via his agency:
“I am aware of the allegations in Venezuela and have hired a new lawyer to defend me and my family. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings and the investigation phase in Venezuela, I am not allowed to comment further on this matter. “
Rengifo was in the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s game against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, and Maddon has said he will continue to play the infielder unless circumstances change.
“As far as I’m concerned, until I’m told otherwise, he will be there,” Maddon said.
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