ANAHEIM, Calif; -- As the Angels are looking to get the series victory over the Washington Nationals today and get above .500 for the first time since April 20, the team got some great news regarding some key players who have been out due to injury.
During Sunday morning's media scrum with manager Ray Montgomery, updates were provided on both Yoán Moncada and Robert Stephenson who are recovering from injury.
Yoán Moncada headed to Arizona
While it remains unknown when Moncada will appear in a game, today he is headed to Arizona to get some work as he recovers from right knee inflammation, which occurred on June 2.
"I don't know the full schedule for him down there is," Montgomery said. "I know he's gonna continue to ramp up there."
Moncada (30), is on his second stint on the injured list this season after missing time earlier this year due to a thumb sprain.
Appearing in 30 games this season, Moncada was brought in over the offseason to fill in for Anthony Rendon at third base. When his name has been penciled in the lineup, he has been productive, holding a slugging percentage of .505.
While the Angels will be waiting for him to return to the lineup, the plan is to let him progress at his own pace and let him come back when he's ready to.
"As you progress. We'll progress with you." Montgomery said.
Robert Stephenson is to begin throwing
After signing a three-year $33 million contract two offseasons ago, Stephenson made his Angels debut after having Tommy John surgery in April 2024.
During his recovery, his debut was delayed until May 28, this year.
But his return would be short-lived after he appeared in just two games.
On June 2, he was placed on the 15-day IL due to right biceps inflammation.
Stephenson is expected to throw again for the first time tomorrow. Montgomery said they will have to take their time before he goes on a rehab assignment.
"I mean given the circumstances we gotta slow play that one in the sense of he's got to work back," Montgomery said. "It takes time wind that thing back up after winding it down for as long as he's been down."
"We'll dial it in with the trainers and we'll be fine with that."
Mike Trout out of the lineup today
Today, the Angels will have Travis d'Arnaud at DH instead of Mike Trout.
Angels are going for the series victory today against the Nationals. Mike Trout is out of the lineup. Jo Adell hitting cleanup. @SportingTrib #Repthehalo pic.twitter.com/m4VCRXqWxW
— Thomas Murray (@Thomas_L_Murray) June 29, 2025
Trout was given the day off after appearing in every game for the Angels since coming off the IL on May 30.
"He's played a lot," Montgomery said. "When he's in the lineup. He's a huge impact. When he's not starting he's got the same impact."
Since returning to the lineup, Trout has been hitting .290, with a .430 slugging percentage, four home runs and, 13 RBIs. https://www.thesportingtribune.com/2025/06/29/angels-offense-explodes-in-7th-inning-forces-rubber-match-against-nationals
"I have a vision that he can get a little break after the night game and ramp up and be ready to go." Montgomery said.
Montgomery also added that Trout and Zach Neto, who has been out of the lineup due to a shoulder injury earlier this week, could be available later in the game if needed.