Angels join MLB in honoring Negro Leagues

The Angels joined Major League Baseball in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues on Sunday, as all 30 clubs wore patches to commemorate the Negro Leagues’ founding in 1920. The logo, which is inspired by the official logo created by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is also featured on the bases and lineup cards.

The celebration was originally set for June 27 but was pushed back to Sunday because the coronavirus pandemic. The Angels joined in by putting cutouts at Angel Stadium of Negro Leagues legends such as Oscar Charleston, Rube Foster, Biz Mackey, Wilber “Bullet” Rogan, Martín Dihigo and Cool Papa Bell.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association made a joint donation of $1 million to the Negro League Museum in February. MLB.com also launched a section dedicated to Negro Leagues history.

• The Negro Leagues: Complete coverage

Players and fans have been encouraged to tip their cap to the Negro Leagues’ 100th anniversary, and Mike Trout is among those who has participated. Fans can take a photo or short video to post on social media using the hashtag #TipYourCap2020 and can also send the photo/video to photos@tippingyourcap.com.

Castro remains out
Catcher Jason Castro was held out of the lineup for a second straight day with neck stiffness. Angels manager Joe Maddon isn’t sure how much time Castro will miss, but doesn’t believe it’ll lead to a stint on the injured list.

“I don't think so,” Maddon said. “I'm not getting that from the trainers. We'll just wait and see. But those things can be weird. We'll have to see and wait day by day."

With Castro out, the Angels called up Anthony Bemboom as a third catcher on Saturday, though Max Stassi made his third straight start behind the plate on Sunday.

Pujols healthy but not in lineup
First baseman Albert Pujols was not in the lineup for a second straight day on Sunday, but Maddon said that Pujols is healthy. It’s rare for Pujols to get two straight days off without being injured, but Maddon wants to get others in the lineup. Pujols, 40, is batting .186/.238/.356 with three homers and eight RBIs in 15 games this season.

“He’s fine,” Maddon said. “I’m just trying to move it around, give more opportunity to different people. He’s gonna continue to play. Just for these two days, I wanted to go a different route, but he’s fine.”

Maddon said he doesn’t think it’s to the point where Pujols will need an extended mental break to get it going again offensively.

“I honestly don’t see that,” Maddon said. “He’s been upbeat, we’ve had good conversations. In the micro-season that we’re experiencing right now, I don’t think it’s gotten to the point where guys are beaten up. They’re just frustrated a little bit, looking for that answer that gets them on the right track. That’s what I’m seeing from him.”