Injuries & Moves: Catcher Thaiss designated for assignment
The Angels' injuries and roster moves page will be updated throughout the offseason.
LATEST NEWS
Nov. 14: INF Kevin Newman signed to one-year deal; C Matt Thaiss designated for assignment
The Angels needed to add to their infield depth with shortstop Zach Neto possibly out for Opening Day after undergoing right shoulder surgery last week and signed Newman. Thaiss was designated for assignment in a corresponding move after the Angels signed Travis d'Arnaud to be their backup catcher.
Newman can serve as the club's starting shortstop until Neto is back and joins Scott Kingery as another versatile infielder added this offseason. Newman, 31, is coming off a solid year in a utility role with the D-backs, slashing .278/.311/.375 with three homers, 17 doubles and eight stolen bases in 111 games. More >>
Nov. 12: C Travis d'Arnaud signed to two-year deal worth $12 million
The Angels were in the market to improve their catching depth and struck a two-year pact with d'Arnaud on Tuesday. The 35-year-old was an All-Star with the Braves in 2022 and hit .238 with 15 homers and 48 RBIs in 99 games last season. He was brought in to be a mentor and backup to starting catcher Logan O'Hoppe, who just finished his first full season in the Majors. The Angels now have to decide what to do with fellow backstop Matt Thaiss, who is out of options. But it was yet another much-needed addition for the Angels, who have been aggressive early this offseason. More >>
Nov. 8: SS Zach Neto undergoes right shoulder surgery
The Angels were dealt a big blow on Friday, as general manager Perry Minasian announced that Neto underwent right shoulder surgery on Wednesday and could miss the start of the 2025 season. Neto, who injured his shoulder on a slide late in the season, was the club's best player in '24, slashing .249/.318/.443 with 23 homers, 34 doubles, 30 stolen bases and 77 RBIs in 155 games. The Angels are still in the market for infield help and recently added Scott Kingery as depth. More >>
Nov. 7: Angels sign RHP Kyle Hendricks to one-year, $2.5 million deal
The Angels bolstered their rotation by adding Hendricks to the mix, as he's an 11-year veteran who played his entire career with the Cubs before signing with the Angels. Hendricks is coming off a down year that saw him get briefly demoted to the bullpen but he was much better in 2023. General manager Perry Minasian said they noticed some things with his delivery they believe they can tweak to help him get back on track. Minasian also said the Angels aren't done adding to the rotation. More >>
Nov. 4: Angels reinstate INF Luis Rengifo, LHP Patrick Sandoval, OFs Mike Trout and Jo Adell, RHP Robert Stephenson and Kelvin Caceres from 60-day IL; select contract of INF Scott Kingery; release LHP Kenny Rosenberg
The Angels did some roster housekeeping on Monday, reinstating six players from the 60-day injured list, while adding Kingery to the 40-man roster and releasing Rosenberg. Kingery, who was acquired in a trade with the Phillies on Friday, could've elected free agency if he wasn't added to the 40-man roster. The former top prospect will compete for a spot as a backup infielder in Spring Training. Rosenberg, 29, was up and down with the Angels over the past three seasons as a spot starter/long reliever and posted a 6.00 ERA in 24 innings in 2024.
INJURY UPDATES
SS Zach Neto (right shoulder surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Neto underwent shoulder surgery on Nov. 6 and could miss the start of the season, general manager Perry Minasian announced Nov. 8. He hurt his shoulder on a slide into second base on Sept. 26 and tried to rehab it but ultimately needed surgery. The Angels didn't indicate the specific operation. (Last updated: Nov. 8)
LHP Patrick Sandoval (torn flexor tendon, torn ulnar collateral ligament)
Expected return: Possibly late 2025
Sandoval exited his June 21 start against the Dodgers with left forearm tightness and was placed on the injured list the next day with a left elbow strain. Sandoval felt it while pitching to former teammate Shohei Ohtani, signaling to the dugout after he threw an 89 mph fastball. He underwent an MRI exam on June 22 and told reporters on June 24 that he was diagnosed with a high-grade flexor tendon tear and a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Sandoval was moved to the 60-day IL on June 25. He underwent successful surgery to repair his UCL on June 26. On June 29, he said that he had a brace inserted in his elbow as part of his Tommy John surgery. His timetable is roughly 12-14 months. General manager Perry Minasian said on Aug. 31 that Sandoval could return sometime in 2025. (Last updated: Aug. 31)
RHP Robert Stephenson (torn ulnar collateral ligament)
Expected return: 2025
The Angels announced on April 18 that Stephenson would undergo season-ending elbow surgery, and he had Tommy John surgery with a brace inserted in his elbow on May 1. Stephenson said he believes it'll be a 12-month recovery but could take as long as 18 months. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 21.
Stephenson was removed from his first rehab appearance on April 13 after facing just one batter and feeling something in his right elbow. Pitching for Triple-A Salt Lake, the right-hander opened up the bottom of the seventh inning on the mound but threw only four pitches, all balls, before signaling to the dugout. After speaking briefly to the trainer and a coach, Stephenson departed. (Last updated: May 3)