Angels option Jo Adell, recall Jose Rojas

BOSTON -- With the outfield becoming one of the harder places to crack in the Angels’ lineup, the club announced on Tuesday former top prospect Jo Adell had been optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake.

The outfielder was given the news in a meeting with manager Joe Maddon and general manager Perry Manasian at Fenway Park prior to the start of the club’s three-game set with the Red Sox.

“[Taylor] Ward’s playing like he’s playing, [Brandon] Marsh is playing like he’s playing and obviously Mike [Trout]’s going to play,” Minasian stated of the outfield dilemma Adell faced. “Those guys' names are in the lineup for the most part. Being a young player and not getting consistent playing time is really, really tough.”

“We just felt Jo needed a little more consistent playing time,” added Maddon. “With that, more consistent at-bats, more consistent on defense. I have said a thousand times, I like this guy a lot. His work ethic is outstanding, but he just needs to play more consistently, so that was our conclusion.”

Though Adell admitted that he did not see the move coming, the 23-year-old is hoping that with consistent playing time, he will be able to get himself in a rhythm that will allow him to rejoin the big club in due time.

“Of course, I’d love to be here and help these guys, but hopefully down the road throughout the rest of the year, I can come back and be a part of this team,” said Adell. “I’m going to try my best to get back. It’s nothing to be excited about, but I’m not going to hang my head low. I’ve got enough confidence in my game and what I’m capable of to know at some point, my time’s going to come where I’m going to be able to be out here every day and help these guys.”

Adell was hitting .231 with seven extra-base hits and nine RBIs in 19 games played (16 games started). He had also made three errors in the outfield, two of those in left field and one in right.

Infielder Jose Rojas was recalled from Salt Lake to fill the open roster spot.

Despite the move, all parties seemed encouraged that it will be a temporary one which will allow Adell an opportunity to get back to what made him the Angels’ top-rated prospect in the past.

“We tend to forget how young he is,” said Minasian. “This is a really young player who I am very optimistic is going to be a very good player here in the near future.”

“I just shook his hand, looked him in the eyeball and said, ‘You’re going to be back. Just keep working like you have,’ and he will,” concluded Maddon. “I have a lot of faith in this guy.”