Angels infielder Michael Stefanic suffered a quad injury in his first Cactus League game this season.
He was able to take just one at-bat before being removed from the game, and hasn't played since.
Stefanic had been hopeful that he'd be able to return before Opening Day, but on Wednesday, that dream became an impossibility.
Stefanic told Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com that he underwent an MRI after he felt something during a running drill, and it came back worse than expected.
Stefanic is going to shut down baseball activities, meaning he won't be ready for Opening Day and will likely start the season on the injured list.
Michael Stefanic said he underwent an MRI on his quad after he still felt something during a running drill a few days. It came back worse than expected so he's shutting down baseball activities for now.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) March 20, 2024
This is a tough blow for Stefanic, who was expected to start the season on the 26-man roster coming into spring.
Now, he'll most likely have to start on the IL, and will have to get fully healthy before getting an opportunity to return.
Stefanic has appeared in 50 games over the last two seasons with the Halos, slashing .244/.331/.293 with four doubles and six runs batted in.
The 28-year-old's absence opens a spot for one of Miguel Sano, Livan Soto and Ehire Adrianza, who have been competing for the final bench spot.
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