Angels Place Logan O’Hoppe on Injured List with Fractured Wrist
LOGAN O’HOPPE, the Los Angeles Angels’ starting catcher, is out indefinitely with a fractured left wrist suffered after being struck by a foul ball during Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo.
The injury, a fracture to a tiny but critical bone, has no set timeline for O’Hoppe’s return, a major blow for a team relying on his improving momentum behind the plate. “I’m annoyed because it’s such a little thing, such a tiny bone,” O’Hoppe admitted Sunday after the diagnosis.
Leading into the injury, O’Hoppe had been battling a slow start to the 2026 season with a .205 batting average and .579 OPS. Yet, recent games showed signs of progress — including three hits and a walk across two games and back-to-back caught stealing throws, highlighting his defensive prowess. “That’s what I’m pissed off about,” he said. “Things started to really feel like they were aligned behind the plate too.”
Angels Call Up Sebastian Rivero, Lean on Travis d’Arnaud
To fill the gap, the Angels immediately called up catcher Sebastian Rivero from Triple-A, who holds a .239 average and .557 OPS at the minor league level. Veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, 37 years old and struggling at the plate with a .125 average in 19 plate appearances, will share catching duties.
Manager Kurt Suzuki emphasized a flexible approach: “I talked to Trav already and I told him, ‘Be ready to play,’ but I’m not going to kill him. He’s definitely going to play some and Rivero’s going to play some. We’ll play matchups.”
Rivero brings experience as a proven staff handler and situational hitter, bolstering confidence in the Angels’ catching depth during O’Hoppe’s absence. “The guy’s a pro,” Suzuki added.
Pitching Staff Shuffled as Angels DFA Jordan Romano, Shaun Anderson
Beyond catching woes, the Angels made significant roster moves Sunday, designating for assignment relievers Jordan Romano and Shaun Anderson. Romano, 33, signed this offseason to a $2 million one-year contract, struggled immensely with a 10.13 ERA in eight innings pitched.
After a stellar start—converting four saves in his first five innings—Romano surrendered nine runs across his last three innings, prompting the tough decision. Suzuki cited a combination of pitching inefficiency and an impending rain-affected schedule requiring fresh arms. “It was a tough call for us, but we felt like for where we’re at with the arms that we need and he threw a lot of pitches last night,” Suzuki explained.
To replenish the bullpen, Los Angeles called up left-hander Joey Lucchesi and right-hander José Fermín. Lucchesi, who has oscillated between the majors and Triple-A this season, posted a 4.32 ERA at the minor league level, while Fermín was already on the Angels’ 40-man roster.
With closer roles in flux after Romano’s struggles and no clear save opportunities recently, Suzuki remains open to options. “I think everybody would say that ideally, you’d want a closer… but we feel like we have a few options down there that we can mix and match,” he said.
Lineup and Game Timing Adjustments Reflect Team’s Struggles
Manager Suzuki also shifted first baseman Nolan Schanuel from the No. 3 to No. 5 batting spot, reacting to his ongoing slump that Schanuel partly attributes to an ankle injury sustained in early April.
The Angels prepare to face the Chicago White Sox Monday at 4:40 p.m. PT, with ongoing rain forecasts forcing game time changes, including an early start Sunday from 6:20 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. PT.
Implications for California and Fans
O’Hoppe’s injury strikes a critical blow to the Angels amid a challenging start to the 2026 campaign. As Los Angeles looks to stabilize its pitching and offensive lineup, fans across California will watch closely for updates on the catcher’s recovery and the evolving bullpen roles. The Angels’ ability to adapt quickly will be key as the team navigates a crowded early-season schedule.
Stay with The California Herald for continuous updates on Angels injuries, roster moves, and game-day developments impacting California’s favorite MLB team.
