Mike Trout is out of a walking boot, Max Stassi activated by Angels

The Angels got some positive injury news on Tuesday, with Mike Trout now out of a walking boot, a few weeks after suffering a right calf injury that is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks.

Trout will still be out a while, likely at least another month, but this is at least a step toward his eventual return.

From manager Joe Maddon, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times: “I don’t know what the exact process looks like, but he’s motivated to get back. So whatever the minimal time is, I think he’ll attempt to attack it in that way.”

There are, however, some more immediate reinforcements, expected back soon.

Chris Rodriguez was one of the pleasant surprises in the Angels bullpen. The 23-year-old rookie has a 2.30 ERA and 3.05 FIP in eight appearances, with 17 strikeouts and eight walks in 15... innings. Rodriguez has missed four weeks with right shoulder inflammation.

He allowed one run on one hit in three innings on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake, including pitching two innings on Monday.

José Iglesias has a left hamstring strain and last played on May 25. His first day eligible to return is Saturday, when the Angels are in Seattle.

Even more immediately back is catcher Max Stassi, who missed 26 games with a concussion. He started behind the plate on Tuesday night in San Francisco, just his 11th start of the season (Stassi also missed 12 games earlier in the year with a left thumb sprain).

Stassi doubled home a run and scored in Tuesday’s win over the Giants, but it was Anthony Rendon who broke out in San Francisco.

Rendon singled home two in the third inning, and doubled home three in the fourth. Five RBI are Rendon’s most in a game since joining the Angels. His previous high with the team was four, on May 1, though he drove in just four more runs in his final 20 games of the month, going 12-for-70 (.171/.266/.243).

Left-hander Jose Quijada was optioned to Triple-A after recording five outs to finish out Monday’s game against the Giants. The roster moves give the Angels 13 pitchers on the active roster, plus 12 position players, and one Shohei Ohtani.

Also of note on Tuesday, catcher Drew Butera, who was designated for assignment on Friday, cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Up next

The Angels are off on Wednesday, and open a four-game series on Thursday night in Seattle.