Los Angeles Angels Now Moving Veteran Slugger To Injury List

The Los Angeles Angels’ eventful week took another hit Friday, placing slugger Jorge Soler on the 10-day injured list with lower back inflammation. The move, retroactive to June 18, follows weeks of visible discomfort for Soler, who has struggled offensively and defensively in his first season with the club.

Soler, signed to a two-year, $32 million deal in the offseason, has slashed just .185/.250/.284 in June. He hasn’t recorded an extra-base hit since May 30 and is stuck on 199 career home runs. With Mike Trout limited to designated hitter duties, Soler was pressed into regular right field duty despite earlier groin tightness that forced him out of games on June 4 and June 7. After missing more time this week, his status was finally updated to a back issue.

Los Angeles Angels Place Jorge Soler on IL as Ron Washington Takes Leave

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To fill his roster spot, the Angels recalled Gustavo Campero. The 27-year-old outfielder, a switch-hitter with some positional versatility, has hit .246 in limited big-league action and could serve as a helpful bench piece.

The news came hours after another major development: manager Ron Washington is stepping away indefinitely to address a personal health matter. The 73-year-old’s status going forward is uncertain, with bench coach Ray Montgomery set to manage in his absence.

Despite owning one of the worst records in the American League, the Angels remain just a few games back in the Wild Card race. Soler’s health—and his return to the power-hitting form he showed in previous seasons—could prove critical as Los Angeles tries to stay in the mix.

Washington’s absence adds another layer of challenge. But if the Angels are going to stay afloat, they’ll need contributions from unlikely sources—and a quick return from both Soler and their veteran skipper.

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