The Los Angeles Angels have announced several roster moves that include adding infielder Scott Kingery and reinstating pitcher Robert Stephenson from the 60-day injured list. To accommodate these additions, left-handed pitcher Jake Eder has been sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake, while infielder Tim Anderson has been designated for assignment. Additionally, catcher Chuckie Robinson was designated for assignment to open another spot on the 40-man roster. These changes reflect the team’s attempt to balance depth and performance as the season progresses.
Tim Anderson’s Declining Performance Leads to Roster Change
Tim Anderson, who turns 32 soon, signed a minor league contract with the Angels during the offseason after a sharp decline in his production. Once an All-Star and batting champion, Anderson’s output worsened in 2023 and 2024, resulting in his reduced role. Injuries to key infielders like Zach Neto, Anthony Rendon, and Yoán Moncada initially provided Anderson with an opportunity to make the major league roster. However, he struggled to capitalize on this chance, leading to the team’s decision to remove him from the active roster.
Statistical Struggles Highlight Anderson’s Challenges
In 31 games with the Angels this season, Anderson had 90 plate appearances. His walk rate was only 3.3%, consistent with his hitting style, but his strikeout rate soared to 32.2%, which is considerably higher than both his career norms and league averages. Offensively, Anderson managed just three extra-base hits—all doubles—resulting in a disappointing .205/.258/.241 batting line and a 42 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). These numbers underline a significant drop from his previous productivity levels.
From All-Star Status to Struggles at the Plate
Earlier in his career, Anderson appeared in the All-Star game and won a batting title. Between 2019 and 2022, he posted a .318/.347/.473 slash line with a strong 123 wRC+. However, from the start of 2023 through the present, his performance has declined sharply, reflected by a .232/.269/.270 slash and a 49 wRC+ across 855 plate appearances. With healthier players returning and others performing more consistently, Anderson’s role diminished, making his removal from the roster almost inevitable. Should he clear waivers, he is expected to have the option to pursue free agency.
Scott Kingery Poised to Take Over Infield Duties
Anderson’s playing time will likely be absorbed by Scott Kingery, who the Angels acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in the offseason. After being outrighted off the 40-man roster, Kingery has impressed at Triple-A Salt Lake this year, posting a .373/.418/.578 slash line. These strong numbers come with a cautionary note, given the hitter-friendly environment of the Pacific Coast League and Kingery’s unusually high .433 batting average on balls in play, which is unlikely to be sustainable.
Kingery’s Versatility and Past Success Provide Hope
Despite his mixed major league track record, Kingery demonstrates versatility, having played second base, shortstop, and center field, while stealing 25 bases at the Triple-A level last year. His previous season with the Phillies’ Triple-A club yielded a respectable .268/.316/.488 line with a 103 wRC+. Considering Anderson’s recent struggles, Kingery doesn’t need to be a standout star to be considered an improvement for the Angels moving forward.
Team Outlook Amid Upcoming Roster Developments
The Angels’ decisions reflect the ongoing challenges faced by players and management as they adjust to injuries and performance fluctuations. Tim Anderson’s designation for assignment signals a shift toward younger or more in-form players like Kingery to fill roster gaps. More updates are expected as the team continues to evaluate its options during the season.