Angels, Kendrys Morales reach contract terms, avoid arbitration
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The Angels and still-recovering first baseman/designated hitter Kendrys Morales on Wednesday avoided salary arbitration by striking a $3-million deal for the 2012 season.
Morales broke his left ankle when he jumped on home plate following his game-winning homer over the Seattle Mariners on May 29, 2010. He hasn’t played since having surgery and a follow-up operation last May to clean scar tissue and debris in the ankle joint.
Morales, who has also undergone a bone graft, currently is participating in some conditioning and baseball-related drills, General Manager Jerry Dipoto told reporters Tuesday, and will work out for Dipoto and others Friday in Arizona.
Dipoto said he would not set a target date for Morales’ return, only whenever ‘Kendrys mends.’
The Angels would obviously love nothing more than to place the switch-hitting Morales in the lineup with newly acquired first baseman slugger Albert Pujols. Morales in 2009 batted .306 with 34 home runs and 108 runs batted in.
RELATED:
Dipoto: ‘No timeline, no date’ on Kendrys Morales’ return
Kendrys Morales begins running, can increase baseball activity
Albert Pujols’ Angels deal official, could be worth $268.75 million
-- Lance Pugmire
Photo: Kendrys Morales in 2010. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
