Vernon Wells Out 8-10 Weeks Due to Thumb Injury
By Editorial Staff
Vernon Wells has been placed on the Los Angeles Angels disabled list with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his thumb. The Angels have said they’re going to shut Wells down for eight-to-10 weeks before he’ll be able to resume baseball activities. Wells is expected to be out until at least the beginning of August.
Wells sustained his injury Sunday during the Angels 3-2 loss against the San Diego Padres. Wells could feel his thumb pop out and then “right back in”, according to Angels manager Mike Scioscia, while he was picking himself up following a slide into second base. Wells remained in the game but was subbed for a half-inning later.
Wells will undergo surgery today and the Angels will then shut him down for eight-to-10 weeks. With this timeframe it is expected that Wells will be out through at least the start of August.
Wells has struggled since joining the Angels prior to the 2011 season. Over his 135 at-bats this year, Wells has posted a line of .244/.282/.422 with six home runs, six doubles and 12 RBIs.
A week ago the Angels seemed to have a logjam in their outfield. Now, after injuries to Wells and Ryan Langerhans and Torii Hunter’s absence due to his son’s arrest, the Angels are without several viable outfield options.
Still, the Angels have depth in this area and will be able to field a solid outfield lineup which includes Mike Trout, Peter Bourjos and Mark Trumbo. LA is also hoping to have Hunter rejoin the team soon.
For more on the Angels be sure to check out Halo Hangout.