BOSTON -- The Angels announced on Wednesday that infielder Zack Cozart will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The Angels did not release a timetable for Cozart's return, but the rehab for this type of procedure on a non-throwing arm is typically six to eight months.
"Zack Cozart received a second opinion on his left shoulder after experiencing continued discomfort during his progressions," the club said in statement. "After additional imaging and clinical examination, it was recommended that he undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Zack will undergo surgery in Los Angeles in the near future. We will update with additional information when appropriate."
Cozart sustained the injury while diving for a ground ball during the Angels' game against the Mariners on June 13. He was originally placed on the disabled list with a left shoulder subluxation and had attempted to take grounders and resume swinging before seeking a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
"I think this has been bothering him on and off for a little bit in previous years," manager Mike Scioscia said after the Angels' 9-6 loss to the Red Sox. "It got to a point where something needs to be done. For Zack and our organization, it's the best course of action, and he'll be 100 percent for next year."
Cozart, 32, hit .219 with a .658 OPS, five home runs and 18 RBIs in 58 games prior to the injury. A longtime shortstop, he signed a three-year, $38 million deal to play third base for the Angels over the offseason. Although he experienced an offensive dip from his All-Star campaign for the Reds in 2017, he still provided value through his ability to play third, short and second base.
Luis Valbuena and David Fletcher have both seen time at third base since Cozart landed on the DL, though the position has been a bit of a hole for the Angels this season. Their third basemen have combined to post a .654 OPS, the second-lowest mark in the Majors.
The Royals' Mike Moustakas, the Orioles' Manny Machado and the Yankees' Brandon Drury are among the third basemen who could be available via the trade market should the Angels seek an external upgrade.