Angels top prospect Christian Moore has a meniscus injury, but could return this season

ANAHEIM — The Angels provided good news – relatively, anyway – on first-round draft pick Christian Moore on Wednesday night.

Moore, who seemed to be blazing toward his major league debut before he was hurt on Friday night in Double-A, has a meniscus injury in his left knee, the team announced. The Angels said the injury will be treated “conservatively,” which suggests that surgery is not currently a part of the treatment plan.

Moore will remain with the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas to rehab, and it’s possible he could play again in the final month of the season, the Angels said.

Moore, 21, was the eighth overall pick in the draft in July, out of Tennessee. Because the Angels have so aggressively moved their top draft picks to the majors, there was widespread speculation that Moore would be in the majors before the end of the season.

He hit six home runs in his first eight professional games, fueling speculation that he would be up soon.

Moore was hitting .330 with a .948 OPS in 24 minor league games, but he hurt his left knee while trying to field a ball on Friday night. He had to be helped off the field.

The Angels and Moore spent several days collecting information from various doctors before releasing the diagnosis after Wednesday’s game against the Dodgers.

#Angels prospect Christian Moore was taken out of the game tonight after diving for a ball. He looked to be in some significant pain pic.twitter.com/N867JnoLPM

— Jared Tims (@Jared_Tims) August 31, 2024