Angels Infielder's Injury Is More Serious Than Manager Thought
Los Angeles Angels infielder Michael Stefanic was cleared to resume baseball activity a week ago after straining his left quad in a Cactus League game against the Dodgers, but he has not progressed as quickly.
“He’s not ready yet. He’s doing basic stuff. I didn’t realize his quad was that severe.”
Stefanic is currently in the mix for a roster spot with the Angels, but his health could hinder his chances.
Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com wrote that Stefanic was a "slight favorite for the final bench spot."
After hitting .290/.380/.355 in 25 games and showing improved defense last year, Stefanic came into camp as the slight favorite for the final bench spot. But he’s currently dealing with a left quad strain that complicates things. He played catch and took some swings on Wednesday, but has yet to progress to jogging or running.
Stefanic impressed the Angels last season with a 62-game on-base streak in Triple-A Salt Lake. He fell 12 games shy of the minor league record, which coincidentally is held by former Angel Andrew Velazquez (who reached in 74 straight with Class A South Bend in 2014).
Non-roster invitees Ehire Adrianza, Miguel Sano and Hunter Dozier also vying for the backup infielder's position, along with returnees Kyren Paris and Livan Soto.
