The Los Angeles Angels are getting a much-needed boost behind the plate, as catcher Logan O'Hoppe officially begins a rehab assignment with the ACL Angels this week. The 25-year-old backstop has been sidelined since April 25 after fracturing his left wrist, but he's been making steady progress and is now ready to test himself in game action.

O'Hoppe traveled with the team during their recent series in Toronto, where he took live batting practice, caught throws from a machine, and even ran the bases—all positive signs that his recovery is on track. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki shared his excitement, noting that O'Hoppe approached him with confidence. "He came up to me and said, 'I'm going to be back soon and ready to go.' That's exciting," Suzuki told MLB.com.

The plan is for O'Hoppe to get a few rehab games under his belt before potentially rejoining the big-league club on Friday, when the Angels open a 10-game homestand against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That series opener could mark his return to the lineup, giving the Angels a much-needed spark both at the plate and behind the dish.

Before the injury, O'Hoppe was slashing .205/.323/.256 with one home run over 26 games, starting in 23 of 25 contests as catcher. While the numbers don't jump off the page, O'Hoppe felt he was just starting to find his rhythm. "The last series in Kansas City, everything was starting to click," he said. "I had some deep flyouts and was catching the ball really well. That's what made the injury so frustrating."

With Travis d'Arnaud also sidelined by plantar fasciitis, the Angels have turned to Sebastián Rivero as their primary catcher, and recently called up Omar Martinez for the first time. Getting O'Hoppe back would not only stabilize the position but also bring a young, energetic presence to a club looking to turn the corner in a competitive division.