Angels lose Jorge Soler to injured list before Dodgers game

The Los Angeles Angels were forced into several roster changes Saturday, chief among them the placement of veteran outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler on the 10-day injured list because of a left oblique strain. The Angels made the move ahead of their 9-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it was retroactive to June 4.

Soler’s injury had been an ongoing issue for roughly two weeks. The discomfort was initially reported as a left groin problem before later being described as hip irritation and left-side tightness. The 34-year-old exited Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning and was scratched shortly before Friday’s contest against the Dodgers. While he tried to soldier on through the issue, Los Angeles ultimately decided to place him on the IL.

In 58 games this season, Soler has produced a .220 batting average with nine home runs, 10 doubles, 33 RBIs and a .702 OPS, while posting a .300 on-base percentage and .402 slugging percentage. His absence leaves a void in the designated hitter role, with Nick Madrigal receiving the start at DH on Saturday. Manager Kurt Suzuki indicated that multiple players could rotate through the position during Soler’s absence.

The injury news arrived on the same day the Angels welcomed back first baseman Nolan Schanuel from the injured list. Schanuel had missed 11 games because of left ankle tendinitis that originally occurred while running the bases on April 4 and later worsened during a road trip to Detroit. The 24-year-old returned to the starting lineup after a rehab appearance with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, where he went 1-for-4 with a double.

Entering Saturday, Schanuel owned a .262/.313/.387 slash line with four home runs, 12 doubles and 24 RBIs across 49 games. He started at first base against the Dodgers but went 0-for-3 as the Angels managed only three hits in a 9-2 loss.

Los Angeles also placed outfielder Gustavo Campero on the injured list with a right-hand fracture and designated catcher Omar Martinez for assignment after he went 1-for-3 during his cup of coffee in the majors.

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