ANAHEIM — The Angels got a significant lift on Sunday with the return of top prospect Christian Moore and superstar Mike Trout. Moore was reinstated from the 10-day injured list, while Trout rejoined the lineup after missing two games due to illness.
Moore had been sidelined since July 2 with a sprained left thumb but completed a four-game rehab stint with Single-A Inland Empire, going 5-for-11 and hitting a home run on Saturday. The 22-year-old, ranked No. 1 in the Angels’ system and No. 46 overall by MLB Pipeline, was back at second base and batting eighth in Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox at Rate Field. Trout returned as the designated hitter, batting third, though he’s still not ready to play the outfield because of a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee.
“Mike had a lot more energy today and seems to be in a good place,” said interim manager Ray Montgomery. “And Christian is back after a solid rehab. It’s great to have them both in the mix—it feels more like our regular team.”
Before his injury, Moore was hitting .189/.302/.396 with three home runs, a triple, and eight RBIs in 18 games. He had already delivered some key performances, including a triple for his first big league hit at Yankee Stadium on June 16 and a two-homer game against the Red Sox on June 24, capped by a walk-off shot.
“It took a little longer than I hoped, but I wanted to be fully healed before getting back on the field,” Moore said. “I missed being with the team and I’m pumped to be back.”
Moore’s return creates a crowded infield, with veterans Yoán Moncada and Luis Rengifo also in the mix. Scott Kingery was optioned to make room, as Moore is expected to be the everyday second baseman. The recently acquired Oswald Peraza adds even more depth.
Moncada and Rengifo will likely share third base duties, with Rengifo also getting reps in the outfield. Meanwhile, the Angels plan to give Bryce Teodosio steady playing time in center field, opening the door for Jo Adell to return to right field, where he thrived last season.
“It’s basically three guys competing for two positions,” Montgomery said of Moore, Rengifo, and Moncada. “Luis has been excellent at second, but today he’ll shift to third, and we’ll also get him some outfield reps. We’ll need to juggle things a bit and manage the rotation moving forward.”
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