Injuries & Moves: Kristofak called up to Majors; Cisnero placed on IL
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April 28: RHP Zac Kristofak has contract selected from Triple-A Salt Lake; RHP José Cisnero placed on IL; RHP Jimmy Herget designated for assignment
After right-hander José Soriano lasted just 1 1/3 innings on Saturday, the Angels selected Kristofak's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake to get some length in the bullpen. Kristofak, 26, posted a 3.38 ERA with 10 strikeouts and five walks in 18 2/3 innings at Triple-A. It's the first Major League callup for Kristofak, who is not ranked among the club's Top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline.
Cisnero was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. But manager Ron Washington said it's not considered a serious injury. Herget, who had a 3.97 ERA in 11 1/3 innings at Triple-A Salt Lake, was designated for assignment to make room for Kristofak on the 40-man roster.
April 27: Miguel Sanó out with left knee soreness
Sanó left Friday's game during the sixth inning because his left knee soreness flared up. He was also out of the lineup on Saturday. But he said after the game that an MRI exam revealed only inflammation. He's day to day and is expected to avoid the injured list.
Ehire Adrianza replaced him as a pinch-hitter after Sanó was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and complained of discomfort while swinging the bat. He underwent further testing on Saturday and Luis Rengifo made the start at third. Sanó also left Wednesday's game in the fifth inning with similar discomfort.
April 26: 3B Anthony Rendon diagnosed with partial left hamstring tear
Rendon met with reporters on Friday and said he has a high-grade partial tear of his left hamstring and there's no timetable for his return. But it's expected to be a slow recovery for Rendon, who suffered the injury while beating out an infield single on Saturday. It's yet another injury for Rendon, who hasn't played in more than 60 games with the Angels since signing a seven-year deal worth $245 million after the 2020 season. With Rendon out, Miguel Sanó has emerged as the club's regular third baseman. He left Wednesday's game with left knee soreness but was back in the lineup on Friday. Brandon Drury, Luis Rengifo and Ehire Adrianza can play third as well.
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP José Cisnero (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Possibly May
Cisnero struggled in his last outing on April 27, allowing a three-run homer to Carlos Santana while recording just two outs in relief. After the game, he complained of shoulder discomfort and was placed on the injured list on April 28. Manager Ron Washington said the injury isn't considered serious but warranted a short trip to the IL. (Last updated: April 28)
RHP Chase Silseth (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: Possibly May
Silseth felt something in his elbow while throwing breaking pitches during his outing against the Red Sox on April 7 and underwent an MRI exam the next day. On April 10, he said the results showed inflammation and no structural damage. He also had a second opinion on his elbow, but the doctors agreed it was just inflammation. Silseth progressed to playing catch for the first time on April 26. He'll continue to build up from there. (Last updated: April 26)
INF Michael Stefanic (left quad strain)
Expected return: May
Stefanic, having remained in Arizona out of Spring Training to continue his rehab work, was scheduled to resume running progression on April 26, and already resumed taking ground balls and batting practice. He was officially added to the injured list on March 28.
The 28-year-old exited the first Cactus League game of the season on Feb. 24 after feeling discomfort in his left quad. He was able to progress to running drills and baseball activity but suffered a setback in mid-March. Stefanic underwent an MRI exam that revealed a strain, and opened the season on the injured list as a result. (Last updated: April 26)
3B Anthony Rendon (left hamstring strain)
Expected return: Possibly midseason
Rendon sustained a left hamstring strain while beating out an infield single on April 20 and was placed on the injured list on April 21. Rendon met with reporters on April 26 and said he was diagnosed with a high-grade partial tear of his hamstring. He said there's no timetable for his return but it's expected to be a lengthy absence. (Last updated: April 26)
RHP Guillermo Zuñiga (right pectoral strain)
Expected return: Possibly May
Zuñiga struggled in his outing against the Red Sox on April 7 -- not retiring any of the four batters he faced -- and was placed on the injured list on April 8. Angels manager Ron Washington said the injury isn't considered serious. He had a 7.20 ERA in five innings before being placed on the injured list. He's started his throwing progression, the Angels announced on April 26. (Last updated: April 26)
60-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Sam Bachman (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Possibly June
Bachman is returning from shoulder surgery, and is in Arizona working on his rehab. Mid-back spasms have caused his throwing progression to be put on hold. But the Angels said on April 26 that he is showing improvement.
Once he is cleared to continue rehab, Bachman will continue to build up as a starting pitcher. He's likely to be ready to return by June. (Last updated: April 26)
LHP José Quijada (torn ulnar collateral ligament)
Expected return: Possibly July
Quijada suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament and underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery last May 17. He missed the rest of the 2023 season. Having remained in Arizona to work on his rehab, Quijada threw bullpen sessions on April 23 and April 26. He is likely to return by midseason, depending on how he responds to rehab. (Last updated: April 26)
RHP Robert Stephenson (torn ulnar collateral ligament)
Expected return: 2025
The Angels announced on April 18 that Stephenson will undergo season-ending elbow surgery. He said on April 23 that he will undergo Tommy John surgery on April 30 and will have a brace inserted in his elbow. Stephenson said he believes it'll be a 12-month recovery but could take as long as 18 months. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 21.
Stephenson was removed from his first rehab appearance on April 13 after facing just one batter and feeling something in his right elbow. Pitching for Triple-A Salt Lake, the right-hander opened up the bottom of the seventh inning on the mound but threw only four pitches, all balls, before signaling to the dugout. After speaking briefly to the trainer and a coach, Stephenson departed. (Last updated: April 23)