The Los Angeles Angels are likely hoping they didn’t count on Yoán Moncada to carry the team while Mike Trout struggles. Moncada, who has already started seven games at third base this season, was recently placed on the 15-day injured list with a right thumb sprain. The 30-year-old, who will turn 30 next month, exited Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays after striking out in his only at-bat. While the Angels have managed to win seven of their first 11 games, they’ve done so without significant contributions from either Trout or Moncada.
Although Trout is healthy, his performance has been far from stellar. Heading into Thursday’s series finale against the Rays, the three-time AL MVP was hitting just .179 with three home runs, eight RBIs, and a .756 OPS in 50 plate appearances. The struggles of both Trout and Moncada highlight how the team has managed to stay competitive despite the lack of offensive output from two of its key players.
Moncada’s time on the injured list will be his first stint with the Angels since joining the team this offseason after nearly a decade with the Chicago White Sox. At the time of his injury, Moncada was batting .190 with four RBIs in 27 plate appearances. However, his plate discipline had improved significantly, with six walks compared to eight strikeouts. This marks a positive shift compared to his recent performance, where he had a concerning 232 strikeouts and only 56 walks over 835 plate appearances between 2022 and 2024.
Should Moncada find his rhythm at the plate, it will be after recovering from his thumb injury. The Angels will need him to regain his form to provide more stability in the lineup, especially as Trout continues to battle through a rough start to the season. In the meantime, the Angels will look for other options to fill the third base position.
Luis Rengifo took over at third base against the Rays on Thursday, and former New York Mets infielder J.D. Davis is also expected to play third until Moncada returns. The team’s ability to stay competitive despite these early-season struggles will be key in the coming weeks as they await the return of both Moncada and a healthier version of Trout.
