BOSTON -- The Angels made a bevy of roster moves before Monday’s series opener against the Red Sox, as third baseman Yoán Moncada and right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson both landed on the injured list. Outfielder Matthew Lugo, who was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, was recalled along with left-handed prospect Sam Aldegheri.
It was tough news for the Angels on the injury front, especially for Stephenson, who made just two appearances in his return from Tommy John surgery before sustaining another injury. He dominated in his first outing on Wednesday against the Yankees, throwing a perfect inning with two strikeouts, but left his appearance against the Guardians on Friday after just three pitches. He was diagnosed with right biceps inflammation, as it’s not related to his surgically repaired elbow but is still frustrating for Stephenson, who signed a three-year deal worth $33 million before last season.
“I’m kind of devastated, honestly,” Stephenson said. “It just sucks. You work that hard and get back and have that happen right away. The medical staff doesn’t seem too worried about it, so I’ll trust the professionals. But it’s hard right now.”
The Angels don’t have a timetable for Stephenson, as he’s expected to undergo further testing. Manager Ron Washington said they’re trying to be cautious with Stephenson, who underwent Tommy John surgery more than 13 months ago on May 1, 2024.
“We just got him back from Tommy John, and what he displayed [Wednesday], we want that,” Washington said. “So we're not going to take any chances.”
In the meantime, they brought up Aldegheri to pitch in long relief in what’s expected to be a short stint in the Majors. Aldegheri, ranked as the club’s No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline, posted a 4.34 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 27 walks in 47 2/3 innings at Double-A Rocket City. He last pitched on Wednesday, allowing one unearned run in 4 2/3 innings and 84 pitches.
Aldegheri said it was extra special to get called up, as he grew up a Red Sox fan in Verona, Italy, but had never been to Fenway Park. It’s his second stint in the Majors after he had a 4.85 ERA in three starts last year.
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His role will be similar to fellow top prospect Caden Dana, who has been called up to pitch in long relief twice this year. Right-handed reliever José Fermin, who is on a rehab assignment after suffering right elbow impingement on May 14, is likely to replace Aldegheri on the roster after he sees action. Fermin is considered close to being activated.
“It’s been great,” Aldegheri said. “I was just trying to be ready for this kind of opportunity and help the team.”
On the position-player side, Moncada was placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation. He sustained the injury on Wednesday against the Yankees and left that game early. But he was back in the lineup in Cleveland on Friday and served as a pinch-hitter on Sunday. But his knee wasn’t getting any better, so the Angels decided to be cautious and shut him down for now. He’s optimistic it’ll be a short stint on the IL.
“I hope this goes quick and it’ll be a short-term thing with the knee,” Moncada said through interpreter Manny Del Campo. “I thought I could avoid the IL. But I don’t want to aggravate the injury. We still have so many games left.”
With Moncada out, the Angels decided to call up an outfielder in Lugo, as Luis Rengifo will shift to third base in Moncada’s absence. The Angels wanted another outfielder because Mike Trout isn’t ready to play right field just yet. He’s scheduled to start at designated hitter in all three games at Fenway Park.
Lugo, ranked as the club’s No. 13 prospect, had a hot start to his big league career before cooling off. He hit .231/.250/.564 with three homers, two doubles, a triple and six RBIs in 15 games before being sent down when Trout was activated from the IL. He was originally acquired at last year’s Trade Deadline in a move with the Red Sox, as he was one of four players, including reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, acquired for reliever Luis García.
“With Mike not being able to play the outfield, we’ll find some place to get him out there,” Washington said. “We needed a body. He just recently left here, but we decided to bring him back because we were short in the outfield.”