TEMPE, Ariz. — Newest Angels third baseman Yoán Moncada has a "deep bruise" in his right thumb and will miss some time, manager Ron Washington announced Sunday morning.
Washington said they don't exactly know how Moncada hurt his thumb, but Moncada woke up one morning and it was bothering him. Moncada is unable to throw and has trouble swinging the bat with the thumb injury.
"Looks like he's on the shelf for a minute," Washington said. "Nothing is torn, just got some deep bruises and we gotta let it settle down before we start letting him try to hit."
Moncada has had trouble staying healthy the last few years, as he hasn't played more than 105 games in a season since he played in 144 in 2021. When healthy, Moncada is an average defender and can be an average-to-above-average bat. In that 2021 season, he hit .263 with a .787 OPS and a 120 wRC+, where 100 is league-average.
Washington said Luis Rengifo will begin to get work in at third base while Moncada is out, but Rengifo has been battling an injury of his own with hamstring tightness. Rengifo was cleared to play in games just a couple of days ago.
With both Moncada and Rengifo uncertain if they will be ready for Opening Day and Zach Neto not ready for Opening Day, the Angels might have to lean on their newly added depth. Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, Tim Anderson and J.D. Davis were all brought in this offseason and can fill any holes in the meantime. The Angels could also have Kyren Paris stay up with the major league club until Moncada and Rengifo get healthy.
With one more week of spring training, the Angels still have some time to find answers.
