Los Angeles Angels: Jo Adell getting closer to return

It was clear that Jo Adell was not going to be a part of the Los Angeles Angels plans at the start of the 2021 season. Manager Joe Maddon had made it very clear that he felt Adell was rushed and needed more time in the minors. As to how long that would be, no one could really say.

Adell may not be down for much longer. He belted his minor league leading tenth homer on Monday, showing that he could be the type of weapon the Angels need with Mike Trout on the shelf.

Jo Adell getting closer to return to Los Angeles Angels

A look at his numbers would make it seem somewhat inevitable that he will return in short order. Adell had posted a .270/.333/.730 batting line in 81 plate appearances entering Tuesday’s action, hitting those aforementioned ten homers and four doubles.

However, that return to the majors may not come as quickly as one would think. Angels GM Perry Minahan said that Adell is “not quite there yet” in regards to a return to Los Angeles. Considering his power numbers and the Angels’ need of help in the lineup, that statement would seem to be disingenuous.

But there is more to Adell than the power numbers. He has also struck out 27 times in those 81 plate appearances, which is certainly concerning in light of his contact issues in the majors in 2020. He had struck out 55 times in 132 major league plate appearances, necessitating that trek back to Triple-A.

At some point, the Angels will not be able to wait. They are rapidly sinking towards the bottom of the standings, not just in the AL West, but in all of baseball. Once again, a season that was expected to hold promise is turning into a disappointment. Those youngsters may as well get a chance, including Adell.

Jo Adell may not be ready to return to the Los Angeles Angels just yet. But the former top prospect is getting closer to a trip back to the majors.