Angels News: Justin Upton Injury Return Timeline Revealed

Los Angeles Angels fans who are hoping to see veteran outfielder Justin Upton back in the lineup may have to wait a little bit longer before he returns to action. Upton was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 25 (retroactive to June 23) with lower back tightness. While the Angels were hoping to get him back over this past weekend, that clearly wasn't the case.

In fact, Los Angeles could be without Upton for another week or so. Angels manager Joe Maddon said that the three-time Silver Slugger likely won't be activated until after next week's MLB All-Star break.

#Angels LF Justin Upton (lower-back tightness) probably won't be activated until after the All-Star break, MGR Joe Maddon said. "It hasn’t progressed like we thought. I thought he’d be playing several days ago. It has not loosened up for him. Has a tightness he can’t get rid of."
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) July 7, 2021

Justin Upton Injury Update

While it's nice to have a timetable on Upton's status, the worrying part is that it's looking like he hasn't made that much progress over the last few weeks. In fact, Maddon thought he'd be back on the field by now.

Upton was in the middle of having his best season since 2018 before he found himself on the injured list. Through 223 at-bats, the four-time MLB All-Star has notched 14 home runs and 32 RBI while slashing .247/.336/.480.

With a 43-42 record, Los Angeles is just 5.0 games back of the final American League Wild Card spot. In other words, Upton's injury couldn't have come at a worse time — especially with superstar Mike Trout being moved to the 60-day IL. Even if the Angels miraculously qualify for the postseason, their +6500 odds to win the World Series are the 10th lowest in the league, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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