Angels roster updates: Meckler, Walton called up, Lowe sent down, Moncada moved to IL

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Los Angeles announced a flurry of moves ahead of Friday's series opener against the Texas Rangers and the lineup will be looking a little different as a result.

Yoán Moncada was placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation. 

Darwin Walker – The Sporting Tribune

Los Angeles Angels infielder #5 Yoan Moncada runs the bases during an MLB game against the Florida Marlins on May 24, 2025 in Anaheim, CA.

Yusei Kikuchi was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from left shoulder inflammation. Kikuchi recently spoke on his injury, saying that he felt no pain in the area and was planning on ramping up to throwing again in the near future. 

The Angels selected the contract of infielder Donovan Walton from Triple-A Salt Lake to supplement the loss of Moncada. In 43 games in Triple-A this season, Walton hit .282 with a .909 OPS with seven home runs, 33 RBI's and three stolen bases.

Why Not Christian Moore?

Christian Moore is one of the Angels' top players currently in the Minor Leagues, and while Moore is primarily a second baseman, he does have ample experience at third base as well and with Moncada heading to the injured list, it's a worthwhile question to ask why Moore remained in Triple-A while Walton was promoted. 

Suzuki did say there was a conversation about promoting Moore, but that the team ultimately went with Walton because he's a left-handed batter and high contact hitter. 

Ric Tapia – The Sporting Tribune

Christian Moore #4 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates in the dugout during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 25, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

"We just felt like he [Walton] was the best option for us right now," manager Kurt Suzuki said. "We saw a lot of him in Spring Training. He did really well, so we're excited about that."

Suzuki also mentioned that Moore could benefit more from having consistent at-bats in Triple-A to further his development, rather than having to serve in a platoon at third base at the Major League level. 

Josh Lowe Optioned

Josh Lowe was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake following the Angels' Thursday night loss to the Athletics. 

Lowe had been struggling as of late, batting just .184 this season with a .546 OPS, 54 OPS+ and -1.1 Wins Above Replacement, while having a particularly rough series against the Athletics, including an error on Wednesday night in the 10th inning that allowed what became the Athletics' winning run to score. 

Suzuki hopes that a stint in Triple-A will give Lowe the chance to reset with under less stress than playing with the Major League squad. 

"[Lowe can] take a step back and maybe take some pressure off of him goin down there, where it's not as much pressure and so much focus on success as a success," Suzuki said. "The guy is as talented of a player I've ever been around and works hard… I think this is more like a reset to go down there and figure some things out."

To replace Lowe, the Angels also selected the contract of outfielder Wade Meckler, who hit four home runs and knocked in 14 RBIs while posting a .922 OPS in 32 games between Double-A Rocket City and Triple-A Salt Lake this season.