Angels News: Brandon Drury Still Without a Timetable for Return

The 30-year-old has been on the injured list since early July.

Angels infielder Brandon Drury is still uncertain about when he will return to the diamond, according to the Los Angeles Times' Luca Evans.

Drury was initially placed on the injured list Jul. 2 with left shoulder inflammation and was initially expected to return after the All-Star break.

Drury, who is in his first season with the Angels, was batting a strong .277/.322/.500 split, adding 14 home runs and 45 RBI. The Angels' offense would certainly like to have one of its many missing pieces back on the field before the ominous Aug. 1 trade deadline. Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout have both missed significant time this season in addition to Drury.

Brandon Drury (shoulder) said he’s got a full day of rehab today. Still isn’t sure about a timetable for his return.

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) July 21, 2023

Drury is currently on the first year of a two-year, $17 million deal with LA after hitting a career-high 28 home runs last season. As the Angels could possibly be sellers at the deadline, Drury could be one of their trade pieces should he return to full strength.

Whether or not they sell at the deadline, the Angels are facing a tremendous decision when it comes to star two-way player Shohei Ohtani and his future with the team. In order to further justify keeping the upcoming free agent on their roster in hopes of a playoff push, the Angels must prove that they can viably make it into the postseason.

With Drury, Trout, Rendon, and others out, it has been difficult for the Angels to definitely prove that they belong in the playoff conversation.

The Halos currently sit one game above .500 and five games out of a spot in the American League Wild Card.

While the number one question surrounding the Angels' future involves retaining or trading Ohtani, the return of key players like Drury could play a major factor in the Angels' chances at their first postseason appearance since 2014.