Angels’ Jo Adell still sidelined after collision with outfield fence

CHICAGO — Jo Adell is still out, and Joe Maddon isn’t sure when he’ll be back.

The Angels manager said that Adell is still just “sore” from his collision with the outfield fence on Saturday night. The Angels have not placed him on the injured list and Maddon hasn’t given more specifics of an injury besides saying Adell’s hip and backside were sore from the collision.

“I’m not sure when he’s going to be able to start again,” Maddon said. “It’s just sore. That’s what I’m getting.”

Adell has an eight-game hitting streak, and he’s made significant improvements at the plate and in the field since last year.

Without Adell, Phil Gosselin moved from the infield to left field. Jack Mayfield started at third base and Luis Rengifo started at shortstop.

MORE RENGIFO

Adell’s absence has cleared the way for Rengifo to get continued looks at shortstop. Tuesday night was his seventh start at shortstop in the last nine games.

“I’d like to see him as often as possible,” Maddon said.

Maddon has complimented Rengifo for his improved conditioning as well as his improved defense since he’s been back up in the majors in September.

“Rengifo’s really showed a lot better this year so far on defense,” Maddon said. “I cannot tell you I saw the same things there, especially at shortstop, last year. Give him a lot of credit. He’s kind of restructured his body. He looks in better shape. He looks leaner. He’s moving better. And he’s making plays. So I think it behooves us to see this right now. This is just a small snapshot, but it’s better than a snapshot I’d seen in the past.”

TROUT HONORED

Mike Trout is the Angels’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which annually recognizes a player for his community service.

One of Trout’s primary causes has been suicide prevention. He and his wife, Jessica, created a program after they lost Jessica’s brother, Aaron Cox, three years ago.

“He’s very philanthropic,” Maddon said. “The guy’s one of the most normal people I’ve ever met for the superstar status that he has accumulated. I really enjoy my conversations with him daily.”

RETURNING PITCHERS

Alex Cobb, who is on the injured list because of a wrist issue, threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and if he bounces back well from that he is expected to return to start the finale of the series in Chicago on Thursday.

Relievers José Marte and Austin Warren, who were both on the COVID-related injured list, are expected to be activated sometime this weekend for the series against the Oakland A’s, Maddon said.

Left-handed starter Reid Detmers, who also tested positive for COVID, is expected to be activated around Sept. 25, Maddon said. Detmers is not likely to be stretched out enough for a traditional start.

NOTES

Shohei Ohtani is “penciled in” to start on the mound on Friday at home against the A’s, Maddon said. Ohtani said through his interpreter after his last outing on Friday that he felt some “soreness” from his career-high 117 pitches the week prior. Maddon has said he has not heard anything to indicate that was anything out of the ordinary for a pitcher in September, so the Angels so far have not changed Ohtani’s schedule. …

Ohtani, who has 44 home runs, now trails Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by one homer in the race for the major league home run crown. Maddon stuck with his assertion that Ohtani should win the MVP, though. “(Guerrero) is having a wonderful offensive year,” Maddon said. “There’s no question about it. But so is our guy. And I hope that people don’t get swayed to think that just by winning the home run title that would impact the MVP race.” …

Maddon, 67, said he was happy when Tony La Russa, 76, was hired to manage the White Sox last winter. “I called Alan Nero, my agent, and said that I’m good for 10 more years,” Maddon quipped.

UP NEXT

Angels (RHP Jason Junk, 0-1, 2.45 ERA) at White Sox (LHP Dallas Keuchel, 8-9, 5.33), Wednesday, 5:10 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM