The Angels just placed third baseman Brandon Wood on the disabled list with what they are calling a hip flexor strain. Wood has been absolutely miserable at the plate this season, compiling a .156 average through 122 at-bats. He has struck out 36 times to just 2 walks, and looks nothing like the top prospect everyone thought he would become in 2010.
It would make sense to send him down to Triple-A to work on his swing, but Wood has seen time in the majors since 2007 and is out of options. That's why putting him on the disabled list will allow him to work on his swing in minor league rehab assignments.
"It gives me an opportunity to truly work on my swing without affecting the big club here," Wood said. "I look at it as an opportunity to get better."
It is a nice crack in the system, especially for the Angels, who will benefit mightily from a healthy and productive Wood. The 25-year old owns a career .286 career average.