Angels Send Struggling Wells to DL

Added on May 10, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

When the Los Angeles/Anaheim/California Angels traded for slugger Vernon Wells back in January, he was supposed to fill a much-needed power void in the lineup. After smashing 223 home runs in twelve seasons as a Blue Jay, he was expected to provide the pop that has been missing since Vlad Guerrero left. Unfortunately for the Halos, it hasn’t quite worked out that way, and now Wells is heading to the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin.

The 32-year-old left fielder is hitting a paltry .183 with a .224 on base percentage. In addition, he has belted only four dingers and struck out 30 times in 35 games. Despite his struggles, the Angels have still managed to to post the second best team batting average (.270) in the Majors.

Wells injured the groin in last night’s loss to the White Sox after grounding out in the fourth inning. An audible “pop” could be heard as he ran from the batter’s box. This will mark his first trip to the DL since 2008. Manager Mike Scioscia was understandably concerned with the news.

“That’s a blow for us right now,” Scioscia said. “Vernon was starting to come alive, swinging the bat much better. We definitely talked about the importance of getting him back into his game and that’s obviously going to be pushed back a little bit right now.”

The Angels are extremely thin in the outfield. Designated hitter Bobby Abreu will likely be moved to the field, but he might not be a longterm answer. Veteran Reggie Willits is a candidate to be recalled from the minors. Willits has zero homers in six big league seasons, but is a decent defensive player with a .262 career average.

Scioscia is a master at using smoke and mirrors when faced with adversity, so Wells’ absence might not be all doom and gloom. The Angels are currently occupying first place in a crowded AL West at 20-16.

Source: ESPN.com