With Albert Pujols on the shelf will the Angels call-up Matt Thaiss

The news came swiftly and hit like a ton of bricks Wednesday. LA Angels future hall of fame first baseman Albert Pujols is done for the season due to a knee injury and will have surgery.

WIth the news of Albert Pujols going on the disabled list for the remainder of the season one might wonder who the LA Angels will promote to replace him on the roster. A possibility is 2016 first round draft pick Matt Thaiss.

Thaiss has hit well at every level for the Angels posting a .281 batting average in three seasons in the minors.  His power numbers have also risen as he has moved up the ranks with Thaiss hitting a career-high 16 this season between Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Salt Lake City.

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Thaiss’ overall numbers in 2.5 seasons (he only played half of season in 2016 upon being drafted in June.) 31 home runs 190 RBIs with a .281 batting average.  Thaiss also has an OBP of .357 and has stolen 19 bases.  This season in 121 games Thaiss has 16 homers with 74 runs batted in while batting .281.  Thaiss has also stolen eight bases this season in the minors.

In addition to Thaiss’ bat he has also shown to be an above average fielder at first base.  Thaiss is a converted catcher who split time behind the plate and at first base in college at the University of Virginia. The Angels could also choose to leave Jefry Marte by himself at first base too.

Another option is to recall infielder Jose Miguel Fernandez who has been up a few times this season and could be an adequate back-up for Marte.  However, most fans would probably like to see Thaiss.

I believe there is a good chance that we will see the 2016 first round draft pick Matt Thaiss in the majors in September.  Thaiss who hits left-handed could provide the Angels with a lefty-righty platoon to go with Marte.

Whatever the Angels decide to do my bet is that one of the aforementioned players either Jose Miguel Fernandez or Thaiss or possibly even both.  My guess is we will see Jose Miguel Fernandez be recalled now and Thais will follow with when the Triple-A season is over.

We will just have to see what happens.