OAKLAND — Infielder Kean Wong has grown on Joe Maddon the more he’s watched him, in the same way that another Angels player did.
“He’s the kind of guy you have to see on a regular basis to appreciate,” the Angels manager said. “David Fletcher is an example.”
If Wong could even approach what Fletcher has done in the big leagues, it would certainly be a boost for the Angels, who are now dealing with yet another injury as they try to right the ship on this season.
Shortstop José Iglesias hurt his hamstring Tuesday. For a few days the Angels called it a cramp and hoped Iglesias would be able to return, but on Friday night they placed him on the injured list.
On Saturday, they recalled Wong, a 26-year-old who had just seven games of big-league experience in 2019. Wong is the younger brother of Milwaukee Brewers Gold Glove second baseman Kolten Wong.
Maddon said he’s not sure if the younger Wong can play to the defensive level of his brother, but he likely gives the Angels a better defensive alternative than Jose Rojas, who otherwise would be the second baseman while Fletcher moves over to shortstop.
“He give us another option,” Maddon said. “Go out and get hot and see what happens.”
Wong was hot at Triple-A, hitting .350 with a .913 OPS at the time he was recalled.
Between those numbers and what Maddon saw of Wong in spring training, he’s optimistic he can contribute.
“If you just show up on a particular day, he might not impress you with a particular tool or skill,” Maddon said, “but cumulatively, over a period of time, a lot impresses you. He impresses you.”
SO FAR, SO GOOD
Justin Upton was in the leadoff spot for the sixth consecutive game Saturday, after going 7 for 21 with two homers in the first five games.
Maddon said he’s not ready to move Upton back to his more familiar spot in the middle of the lineup just yet, because he likes what Upton has done batting first.
“I’m just watching the engagement mentally from J-Up,” Maddon said. “That’s really what I’ve been watching. There’s definitely an attraction here for him. And I think we’re getting some really good at-bats. And he’s there to lead, not lead off, but to lead. I kind of like what he’s doing. So I don’t want to just run away from it yet.”
NOTES
The Angels designated catcher Drew Butera for assignment to create a spot for Wong. …
Chris Rodriguez (shoulder inflammation) came through his first rehab appearance with no issues, Maddon said. He is scheduled to throw again Monday, after which he may be activated or he may remain for at least one more outing at Triple-A. …
Max Stassi (concussion) also came out of his rehab game well Friday night, Maddon said. Stassi is scheduled to catch seven innings Sunday, and then the Angels will make a decision on him. …
UP NEXT
Angels (LHP José Quintana, 0-3, 7.92 ERA) at A’s (LHP Cole Irvin, 3-6, 3.92 ERA), 1:07 p.m. Sunday, Bally Sports West, 830 AM
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