ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Angels brought outfielder Jorge Soler back from the injured list just in time for their game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. Soler made an immediate impact by hitting a two-run double during a four-run rally in the eighth inning, contributing to the Angels’ 4-0 victory over the Braves.
Soler’s return was highly praised by Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery. “Having him in the lineup really makes a difference,” Montgomery said. “His presence extends our lineup, and the quality of his at-bats is invaluable.”
In a separate deal on Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves bolstered their roster by trading with the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton. The Braves sent outfielder Titus Dumitru and cash considerations to complete the deal. Stratton, however, will initially report to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Meanwhile, the Braves also made an administrative roster move by transferring left-hander Chris Sale from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Sale has been sidelined since June 21 due to a fractured left ribcage.
Soler, who had been out since June 18 due to lower-back inflammation, expressed his readiness to return to action through a translator, stating, “I feel great. I’m ready to play.” His reentry into the squad came just in time for the series against his former team, as Los Angeles had traded for him from the Braves on October 31 of last year. Before his injury, Soler was hitting .207, with eight home runs and 26 RBIs across 237 at-bats.
In a strategic adjustment, the Angels have decided to push back rookie pitcher Didier Fuentes’ start to Wednesday. Fuentes has struggled in his initial outings, posting a 0-2 record with a 10.80 ERA. As a consequence, right-hander Grant Holmes, who has a 4-7 record and a 3.70 ERA, was moved up to open the series against the Braves.
The Angels and Braves will continue their series, looking to either build on their momentum or regain their form as the season progresses.