Los Angeles Angels News

Los Angeles Angels catcher Travis d'Arnaud (foot) has progressed in his recovery from plantar fasciitis. First, on July 5, he resumed swinging a bat and throwing a baseball. Less than a week later, he ran the bases for the first time on Friday, a significant milestone as he continues to work his way back to the field. Limited in his playing time before the injury, the 37-year-old is still working to return from this significant injury and play again in 2026. While the Angels already have Logan O'Hoppe and Tyler Heineman, neither has run away with the job as an effective, fantasy-relevant catcher, making d'Arnaud a viable option only in deeper two-catcher leagues if he can return. That said, his offensive game is limited, making him a volume play at best.

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday to earn the save against the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old surrendered a one-out double to Trevor Larnach before retiring the final two batters of the game. The save was Yates' third of the season, and he has provided a stable presence in an otherwise unsettled Angels bullpen. On the year, he owns a 3.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP while posting a 32.6% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate across 21 innings. Fantasy managers are encouraged to add Yates in all formats, as he is currently the Angels' most trusted option at the back end of the bullpen.

Los Angeles Angels reliever Kirby Yates picked up his fourth loss of the season on Thursday, entering the contest with the game tied in the ninth inning and allowing two hits and one earned run in one-third of an inning. Yates now owns a solid 3.15 ERA and 1.00 WHIP on the season with two saves in four opportunities. Considering Yates has been sharp overall this season, and this was his first run allowed since June 8, he should remain the leader in the reliever room to pick up saves. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki appears to be committed to a closer for the most part, as evidenced by his selection of Jordan Romano as the closer earlier this season, even as Romano posted a 10.13 ERA in six save opportunities. At 39 years old, Yates may not be as sharp as he once was, but he appears to be the clear closer for the Angels at this time, as Ryan Zeferjahn appears to be his biggest competition, and he hasn't picked up a save since June 12, while Yates picked up his most recent save on June 27. The biggest downfall for Yates here is that the Angels have had only 27 save opportunities this season and are 37-57.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell stayed hot at the plate in the team's 13-1 blowout win over the division-rival Texas Rangers on Wednesday on the road at Globe Life Field, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI, three runs scored, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .251 and his OPS to .703. The 27-year-old right-handed slugger is now up to 13 homers, 52 RBI, 42 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 92 games across 385 plate appearances in 2026 in his seventh year in the majors. He's added a .296 on-base percentage and .407 slugging percentage. After three hitless games to begin July, Adell is now on a three-game hit streak, and he's batting .276 (16-for-58) with three homers, three doubles, a triple, 11 RBI, and six runs scored in his last 15 games, dating back to June 20. Adell has lowered his strikeout rate to 22.1% this year, but his walk rate sits at a career-low 2.9%, which makes him a drain in OBP leagues. The former first-rounder can be streaky, but he proved last year by hitting 37 homers and driving in 98 runs that he can carry a fantasy squad with his power when he's on.

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that they reinstated outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list before their game against the division-rival Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment in a corresponding move. Trout is serving as the Angels' designated hitter and will bat second in Wednesday's game against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star makes his return to the Halos' lineup without going on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing almost three weeks with a strained right hamstring. Although the former 25th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft has had a resurgent 2026 season, nobody is expecting him to return to an MVP level the rest of the way, and injuries will probably continue to be an issue. But fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups after he has hit .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs, and seven steals in his 265 at-bats this year. Trout is hitting .200 with an RBI in just five career at-bats against Gore.

Los Angeles Angels third baseman/shortstop Denzer Guzman is not exactly forcing his way into shallow-league lineups yet, but there is enough here for fantasy managers in deeper formats to pay attention. The 22-year-old hit his way back to Los Angeles after slashing .336/.403/.571 with 12 homers, 57 RBI, and nine steals over 58 games at Triple-A Salt Lake, and the Angels gave him a real look at third base once he arrived. Through 91 major-league at-bats, Guzman is batting .253/.306/.385 with three homers, 13 RBI, eight runs, and one steal. The profile still needs some patience. His 7.4% barrel rate, 35.3% hard-hit rate, and 86.9 mph average exit velocity do not scream instant breakout, but the minor-league production and regular at-bats give him a path to matter. Rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues, Guzman is more of a 15-team corner/middle-infield flier for cheap power than a player managers need to chase in standard formats.

Los Angeles Angels reliever Kirby Yates is still worth a look for saves, but this is not a clean closer situation. The 39-year-old has a 2.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, two saves, 28 strikeouts, and seven walks over 19 2/3 innings. His recent work has been sharp, with seven straight scoreless appearances, 11 strikeouts, and just three baserunners allowed over his last 6 1/3 innings. That gives him enough skills-based appeal to matter, even if the role is messy. The problem is the Angels are still treating the ninth inning like a committee. RotoBaller lists Yates as the team's current closer, but Sam Bachman and Ryan Zeferjahn remain direct threats, and Samy Natera Jr. logged the team's most recent save. Available in 94% of Yahoo leagues, Yates is a deeper-league add for managers chasing saves, not a safe closer.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Walbert Urena has worked his way into the 12-team waiver mix with a 3.03 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts through 77 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old held Seattle to one run and one hit over 5 2/3 innings on July 2, bouncing back after Oakland tagged him for seven runs in his previous start. The walks are the part that can still make this frustrating. Urena has issued 41 free passes, and his 12.2% walk rate shows up in the WHIP even with the strong ERA. Still, a 3.26 xERA and 33.2% hard-hit rate support most of what he has done so far. RotoBaller lists Urena at 34% rostered in Yahoo formats and recommends him in 12-team leagues. He is worth adding for managers who need innings and steady strikeout help.

Angels superstar Mike Trout (hamstring) continues to make encouraging progress from the right hamstring strain that has sidelined him since June 18. Trout ran the bases on Sunday without any reported issues and remains on track to return during the Angels' upcoming road trip, potentially as early as July 7 or 8. The 34-year-old is looking to build on a strong start to the 2026 season, slashing .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS across 74 games. His power has remained intact, and he was heating up before the injury, slugging .741 with three home runs over the seven games leading up to his absence. Fantasy managers should remain optimistic that Trout can carry that momentum into his imminent return.

Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe (head) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox. O'Hoppe sat out of Saturday's contest after taking a foul tip to the mask during Friday's game. Luckily, O'Hoppe has avoided a concussion and only missed one game because of the injury. He'll be back behind the plate and bat eighth versus left-hander Ranger Suarez on Sunday. O'Hoppe isn't having a ton of success at the plate this season and is only worth looking at in deep leagues right now.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) took batting practice on the field ahead of Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. He said that he ran about 90 percent on Saturday without any pain. Barring any setbacks, Trout believes he could be back in the lineup as early as Tuesday. The superstar slugger has been sidelined since June 17 due to a right hamstring strain. He was also named to the American League All-Star Team on Saturday. Trout should be able to appear in that game in Philadelphia, assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Fantasy managers should check back for an update on his status early next week.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) ran at 85 percent intensity and performed his normal pre-game routine before the team's 5-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Friday, and he's hoping to return from the 10-day injured list at some point on the team's road trip next week, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. The three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star has been out since June 17 with a strained right hamstring. "I feel fine. Feel good. I haven't felt anything in like four or five days. I've just got to get a couple of 90-95 percent back-to-back days and then be good," Trout said. The 34-year-old future Hall of Famer took 15 to 20 swings off a tee, 15 to 20 swings off a machine, and then took four rounds of batting practice on Friday, also doing agility drills on the field, which included cutting in the outfield. Trout said he likely doesn't need a minor-league rehab assignment, and he's unsure if the team will be careful with him returning to center field next week in Texas because of the turf at Globe Life Field. Barring a setback, he's also hopeful he can participate in his first All-Star Game since 2019. Before his injury, Trout was hitting .234/.394/.472 with 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs, and seven steals in 74 games, bouncing back from several injury-plagued seasons in recent years.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) is improving and getting "really close" to returning from the 10-day injured list, manager Kurt Suzuki told Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Trout landed on the IL in the middle of June, but he's expected to hit on the field this weekend. Barring a setback, he will have a chance to be reinstated and rejoin the major-league roster next week before the All-Star break from July 13-16. Trout recently said that he's hopeful he'll be ready to take part in the Midsummer Classic, but he's unlikely to stay in the Home Run Derby field. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star has struggled to stay healthy on the wrong side of 30, but thankfully, his hamstring injury isn't that serious. Before landing on the shelf, Trout was having a resurgent season for the last-place Angels, hitting .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across his 265 at-bats. Trout is no longer the elite five-category producer he once was, but the future Hall of Famer is still valuable in all fantasy leagues when he's active.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel has limited power at the first base position, but he has become attractive off the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues with improved production at the plate since he returned from the injured list in early June. In 20 games since rejoining the Halos on June 6, Schanuel has gone 17-for-65 (.262) with two home runs, two doubles, seven RBI, and 11 runs scored across 78 plate appearances. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger came into Thursday's game against the division-rival Seattle Mariners with 14 hits in his last 47 at-bats (.298) with two homers in his last 12 games since June 16. Overall, the former 11th overall pick in 2023 out of Florida Atlantic University has a pretty uninspiring .262/.332/.387 slash line, .719 OPS, six home runs, 31 RBI, and 29 runs scored across his 256 at-bats. Schanuel makes decent contact at the plate, but a .373 xSLG just doesn't really move the needle in terms of power. Fantasy managers can ride his recent hot streak, but if you're looking for game-changing power off the waiver wire, you've come to the wrong place.

Los Angeles Angels infield prospect Denzer Guzman was called up in early June to give the Halos some infield reinforcements, and the 22-year-old Dominican has hit .268/.325/.437 with a .761 OPS, three home runs, 13 RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in 18 games and 77 plate appearances. He appeared in 13 games in his major-league debut in 2025 and went 8-for-42 (.190) with two long balls, three RBI, and four runs scored. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed hitter has mostly been serving as the Angels' third baseman when he finds his way into the starting lineup, but he also has experience at shortstop and is eligible at both positions in fantasy leagues. Guzman got the call to the Angels this year after hitting .336/.403/.571 with a .974 OPS, 12 homers, 57 RBI, 45 runs, and nine steals in 58 games at Triple-A Salt Lake in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. His raw power from the right side makes him intriguing in deeper fantasy leagues, but the Angels' No. 7-ranked prospect (per MLB Pipeline) has had issues making consistent contact at the plate. Guzman is worth a look off the waiver wire in deep fantasy leagues for infield depth. He's rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues.

The Los Angeles Angels are near the bottom of the league in the standings and aren't the ideal place to search for saves, but veteran right-handed reliever Kirby Yates remains in the mix for saves in Anaheim and is an option off the waiver wire for desperate fantasy managers. The struggling Angels are currently employing a closer-by-committee that involves Yates, Sam Bachman, and Ryan Zeferjahn. Left-hander Samy Natera Jr. picked up the team's most recent save on Sunday, but Yates had his second save of the year before that on Saturday, June 27. The 39-year-old is a two-time All-Star and is by far the Angels' most experienced reliever when it comes to saves, with an even 100 saves in his 11-plus years in the big leagues. He's gone 0-3 in 2026 with a 3.06 ERA (3.28 FIP), 0.96 WHIP, two saves, 25 strikeouts, and seven walks in 17 2/3 innings. Yates' numbers are pretty solid, but save opportunities in Anaheim have been few and far between. In 10 1/3 innings in June, Yates allowed just four runs (three earned) while walking three and fanning 15 with three losses, a save, and a blown save. He's rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available if you're scrounging for saves near the halfway point in 2026.

Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen has begun to right the ship at Triple-A, pitching to a 2.67 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over his last six starts. The walk rate remained elevated over that time at 14.5 percent, but the right-hander was able to strand runners at an 85.7 percent rate thanks to an opponent batting average of just .205. The season-long numbers don't look as good, with a 4.94 ERA (5.71 FIP), 1.70 WHIP, opponent batting average of .265, and a lowly 5.9 percent K-BB%, but things look like they are headed in the right direction. The Angels' fourth-ranked prospect debuted with the team back in April of this year, but was roughed up for six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched (11.57 ERA) and he walked more batters (10) than he struck out (six), so the team may want to see some additional development in his command before another promotion. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old should be in the mix for another shot in the second half, and managers in deep 12+ team leagues could begin to consider stashing him ahead of that time.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Walbert Urena had a rough day in his most recent start, allowing seven earned runs across 4 1/3 innings against the Athletics. However, even with the blowup outing, Urena has been a breakout success story this season for the Angels. Across 71 2/3 innings (15 games), Urena has recorded a 5-6 record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. The 22-year-old's WHIP is inflated by his 11.8% walk rate, which is a bit of a concern for fantasy managers. Still, Urena is averaging 97.6 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a 54.5% ground ball rate, which has helped him limit damage via the long ball (0.63 HR/9). Particularly in deeper league formats, Urena profiles as a quality innings eater who should be targeted on the waiver wire where available.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) said he took 30 swings on Saturday -- 15 off a tee and 15 flips -- and said it felt "great," according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Trout also said he ran at around 50% intensity. The 34-year-old three-time MVP started doing baseball activities earlier this week and has been progressing, but he's not quite ready to face live pitching or go on a minor-league rehab assignment. He said that he's unlikely to participate in the Home Run Derby during the mid-July All-Star break, but he remains hopeful that he'll be cleared in time to take part in the Midsummer Classic. That means that barring a setback, Trout could come off the 10-day injured list in early July. The 11-time All-Star and nine-time Silver Slugger has not been able to stay healthy in recent seasons and is no longer the five-category stud he was in the prime of his career, but he has been pretty productive for fantasy managers in 2026, slashing .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven steals across 74 games. He needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) said he has progressed to light jogging on Friday and didn't have any pain, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Trout is scheduled to swing the bat on Saturday and is pleased with his progress. He is still hopeful that he can return from the 10-day injured list in time for the All-Star game in mid-July, but he ruled out participating in the Home Run Derby. "I'm leaning toward not doing it. Obviously it'd be cool to do it, but I probably won't do it. I was thinking about it, but then hurt my leg. So that's what kind of threw it off there," Trout said. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star will be a starter in the All-Star game if he's cleared to play by then, but he's not going to push it. Although he's hitting only .234 (62-for-265), Trout was having a resurgent campaign in 2026 before his hammy injury, producing 17 home runs, 12 doubles, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 74 games and 335 plate appearances. Fantasy managers should keep the aging superstar in an IL spot in all leagues.