Jorge

Soler

Soler went deep for the first time this spring, sending a line-drive out to left field in this one. The 34-year-old veteran masher was limited to just 82 games during his Angels debut last season because of persistent back issues. He’s one of the stronger bets to reach the 20-homer mark in a full season but he doesn’t offer much else from a fantasy production standpoint at this stage of his career.

Soler was placed on the IL on July 26 and then later moved to the 60-day IL on September 8. He has been ramping up his activity at the Angels’ complex out in Arizona, but it’s unlikely he will make it back in time to play any games this week. He has one year left on his contract, so he figures to be the starting DH for the Angels in 2026 and will hope to improve on his .215/.293/.387 slash line to go along with 12 home runs and 34 RBI in 82 games.

Soler can still be activated from the injured list at any time, but it appears his season is likely over. The 33-year-old slugger spent more time in right field during his Angels debut than anticipated due to Mike Trout’s ongoing knee issues and would up hitting the shelf for good back in late July with lower back inflammation.

Soler has been on the IL since July 26th with lower back inflammation. Provided his back responds well to the swings, Soler could start a rehab assignment later this week and perhaps return early in September.

Soler was removed from Wednesday’s game with tightness in the back, and the Angels won’t go short-handed while the 33-year-old is unavailable. This could be a shorter stint on the IL if there are no setbacks, but for now Gustavo Campero takes Soler’s place on the roster.

It’s the second straight game that Soler has missed after exiting Wednesday’s contest against the Mets due to tightness in his back. There haven’t been any rumblings yet about requiring a trip to the injured list, but if this lingers through the weekend the Angels’ hand may be forced on this one.

Soler has been battling a lingering back issue for nearly a month at this juncture, which has cut into his playing time recently. The 33-year-old is presumably day-to-day heading into Thursday’s series opener against the Mariners.

Soler has been dealing with some nagging issues as of late, and it appears that has something to do with the early exit for the 33-year-old. Chris Taylor has moved to right field from third base, and Kevin Newman has taken over at third. Specifics on why Soler left Wednesday’s game should be available shortly.

The 33-year-old slugger victimized Mets’ right-hander Frankie Montas for his 378-foot (106.7 mph EV) solo shot to open the scoring in the second inning. That would be Soler’s only hit in four at-bats on the night. For the season, he’s slashing an underwhelming .216/.294/.388 to go along with 12 long balls and 34 RBI.

Soler started each of the first three games following his return from the injured list, so they’ll give him a breather as they ease him back into a full-time workload. Gustavo Campero will start in his place in right field and bat eighth against Eric Lauer and the Blue Jays on Friday evening in Toronto.