Breaking: Angels’ latest transaction bring back super-utility slugger

As Angels fans are well aware, the team needs more contributions from its supporting cast if they hope to finally break free from hovering around a .500 record.

While the lineup includes big names like Zach Neto, Mike Trout, Nolan Schanuel, Logan O’Hoppe (at times), Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, and Christian Moore, the rest of the lineup hasn’t held up its end. Luis Rengifo has shown improvement recently, but overall, there hasn’t been much progress from the rest.

The Angels are clearly feeling the absence of players like Yoán Moncada, Chris Taylor, and the high-impact version of Jorge Soler—who has yet to emerge this season. However, it looks like the RF/DH may be close to returning with a shot at redemption.

Angels’ latest transaction could mean the team is returning their struggling slugger

The Angels optioned versatile utility player Scott Kingery to Triple-A Salt Lake today. Kingery, a former second-round pick, still had three minor league options remaining, and the team used one without announcing a corresponding move—though speculation is already swirling.

According to Jeff Fletcher of The OC Register: “Jorge Soler (back tightness) continued taking batting practice on the field. Soler said Saturday he could be back soon and was scheduled to travel with the team to Atlanta.”

Fletcher suggests Soler could be activated for the series against his old team, which seems likely. Meanwhile, Michael Stefanic (hand) is still several weeks away, and Yoán Moncada was recently sent to Arizona, indicating his return remains uncertain. Soler is currently the only position player on the Angels’ injured list.

Fans are hopeful that Soler’s stint on the IL will help him reset. He had been dealing with nagging back and groin soreness—possibly from playing more defense than usual—and his numbers collapsed. In June, he batted just .119/.196/.119 over 14 games. For comparison, Kingery wasn’t much better, hitting .136/.174/.136 in 12 games.

A reenergized Soler could elevate the Angels’ lineup from good to great. Alternatively, he might just increase his trade value, giving the team a chance to offload his salary to a club in need of a DH. Either way, the Angels would benefit from any kind of turnaround as they try to stay competitive with a roster that must outperform its individual parts.