Angels Place Jorge Soler on Injured List Amid Roster Shakeup Before Dodgers Loss

The Los Angeles Angels made a series of roster adjustments on Saturday, headlined by the placement of veteran designated hitter Jorge Soler on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. The move came just before the team’s 9-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Soler’s injury had been developing for nearly two weeks, initially reported as discomfort in his groin area before being reclassified as hip irritation and later left-side tightness. The lingering nature of the issue ultimately forced the Angels to shut him down after attempts to manage the pain.

The 34-year-old exited Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning and was later scratched from the lineup ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Dodgers. Despite trying to play through the discomfort, the organization decided an IL stint was necessary.

His absence comes at a time when the Angels are also managing multiple roster changes, including returns and additional injuries that continue to reshape the lineup on a near-daily basis.

1. Soler’s Absence Creates Lineup Gap

Soler’s placement on the injured list removes one of the Angels’ primary power threats from the middle of the order. In 58 games this season, he has hit .220 with nine home runs, 10 doubles, and 33 RBIs, providing steady but inconsistent production. His offensive profile also includes a .300 on-base percentage and a .702 OPS, numbers that reflect his ability to contribute power while still struggling with overall contact consistency. With Soler unavailable, the designated hitter role has become a revolving spot in the lineup. On Saturday, Nick Madrigal filled the position as the Angels searched for short-term replacements. Manager Kurt Suzuki indicated that the team may rotate multiple players through the DH role while Soler recovers, suggesting a flexible but unsettled approach to filling the gap.

2. Schanuel Returns to First Base Role

While Soler’s injury created a setback, the Angels also received a reinforcement with the return of first baseman Nolan Schanuel from the injured list. Schanuel had missed 11 games due to left ankle tendinitis. The injury originally occurred while running the bases earlier in the season and was later aggravated during a road trip to Detroit, forcing the team to temporarily shut him down. Before returning to the lineup, Schanuel completed a rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, where he went 1-for-4 with a double, signaling readiness to rejoin the major league roster. In his return game against the Dodgers, Schanuel started at first base but went hitless as the Angels struggled offensively in the 9-2 defeat, managing just three total hits.

3. Additional Roster Moves Add to Injury Concerns

The Angels’ roster adjustments extended beyond Soler and Schanuel, as outfielder Gustavo Campero was also placed on the injured list with a right-hand fracture. His absence further thins the team’s depth in the outfield. In another move, catcher Omar Martinez was designated for assignment following a brief stint in the majors. He appeared in limited action but did not secure a long-term roster spot. These changes highlight the ongoing instability within the Angels’ roster, as injuries and performance decisions continue to force frequent adjustments throughout the season. As the team navigates a challenging stretch, the combination of injuries and roster turnover underscores the difficulty of maintaining consistency, particularly against strong division opponents like the Dodgers.