Chad Wallach Could Return From Concussion List Next Week

Prior to their matchup against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Angels made a series of roster moves, including placing Chad Wallach on the seven-day concussion injured list.

Wallach last appeared in a game on May 6, when he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against the Texas Rangers. The 31-year-old woke up the following morning with a stiff neck, which landed him in concussion protocol.

Angels manager Phil Nevin provided an update on Wallach’s condition, saying the catcher is making progress and could return to the lineup as soon as next week, per Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:

A day after the Angels placed Chad Wallach on the 7-day concussion injured list, Nevin said that his symptoms were decreasing and they were optimistic he could be back next week.

Wallach missed four months with a concussion in 2019, but Nevin said it’s not as serious this time.

Wallach has dealt with concussions in the past, including during the 2019 season when he missed four months as a member of the Miami Marlins. Fortunately, Nevin confirmed his latest concussion isn’t as serious.

Wallach has shared backup catching duties with Matt Thaiss this season, hitting .267/.290/.500 with one double, two home runs and six RBI in 10 games. However, Thaiss has since become the Angels’ de facto starting catcher in the wake of Logan O’Hoppe undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

With Wallach sidelined for the time being, the Angels are giving an opportunity to Chris Okey, who had his contract selected from Triple-A Salt Lake. He made his team debut on Tuesday, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.

The Angels are also without veteran catcher Max Stassi, who has been dealing with a hip injury and family emergency since the start of the regular season.

Angels thin on catching depth

Prior to Wallach’s injury, Angels general manager Perry Minasian voiced his confidence in him and Wallach, and believed they were capable of holding down the fort.