Yoán Moncada returns to Angels lineup Tuesday night

ANAHEIM, Calif; -- The Angels will be getting a familiar face back in the lineup Tuesday night as Yoán Moncada is returning after completing a rehab assignment with the Inland Empire 66ers over the weekend.

In a corresponding move, the Angels announced they have also selected the contracts of right-handed pitcher Connor Brodgon and Héctor Neris, bringing in fresh arms to the Angels bullpen. Niko Kavadas and Michael Darrel-Hicks were optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake while Touki Toussaint was designated for assignment.

"Honestly it feels real good. The next step is keep working with what I was working before I got the thumb thing."

During spring training, Moncada appeared in just 10 games, taking only 21 at bats before initially injuring his thumb. On April 10, he was placed on the injured list for a sprain in his left thumb.

Over the weekend, he played in just two games. He said that his thumb felt fine and their is no concern regarding it and that it feels good.

"I'm not worried about it. I'm just going out there and playing my best and if it bothers me, those are things that I cannot control."

Moncada did not record a hit after being walked four times and striking out twice. During spring training, he had just 21 at bats, hitting with a .190 average and recording four hits, six strikeouts, and seven walks.

Being limited on how many pitches he saw during spring training and his rehab assignment, both he and Angels manager Ron Washington did not seem too concerned about it and said it will be something they will have to endure as he gets back to speed.

"Hopefully his presence makes a difference. He's got a good eye at the plate," Washington said. "You gonna see a lot of inconsistencies. This is not the minor leagues. This is the big leagues."

"He's been around long enough and I think he will figure out what he has to do in due time."

Hector Neris promoted from Triple-A

On April 16, the Angels signed Neris to a minor league contract. Today, he was brought up from Triple-A Salt Lake and will be used as an experienced reliever for the Angels.

"He's pitched in a World Series, and we need that experience in the bullpen," Washington said. "We certainly hope he comes up here and shows his experience and able to get us out in the situations we put him in."

Washington went on to add that if the Angels were unable to use Ryan Zeferjahnn or Kenley Jansen, they are hoping Neris can be the pitcher to bridge the gap.

Neris was originally designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves after spring training and elected free agency after clearing waivers. On April 16, he signed a minor league deal with the Angels.

"The door is opening for me again. And I appreciate the platoon" Neris said.

Making his MLB in 2014 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Neris is a 12-year veteran who has seen plenty of baseball throughout his career. He was also a member of the 2022 Houston Astros team that won the World Series.

Neris saw very little action during spring training this year after appearing in just three innings. In limited action, he gave up just two hits and zero runs with one strikeout and one walk.

"I'm not trying to look at the past and concentrate on the present. Still going and be healthy to help the team here." Neris said.

Neris has a career 3.40 ERA with 741 strikeouts and a 1.19 WHIP.