Los Angeles Angels right-hander Andrew Wantz has moved into a starting role, at least for now, according to skipper Ron Washington. Washington said the reason for it is the team's need for depth in the starting rotation. Wantz hasn't been a starter since the 2019 season in the minor leagues, but he'll remain stretched out for now as the team gets ready for the start of the 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old former seventh-round pick by the Angels in 2018 out of North Carolina has made 90 big-league appearances (only four starts) in the last three years in Anaheim and has gone 5-1 with a 3.85 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 47 walks and 123 strikeouts in 117 frames. The best bet is that he'll be a swingman for the Angels this year and will start the year as a long reliever.
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Andrew Wantz was suspended for three games for throwing at Seattle Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker while warnings were in place on Sunday. Wantz hit Winker on the hip after earlier throwing a pitch near the head of Julio Rodriguez. The Angels were reportedly unhappy about a pitch thrown near the head of Mike Trout earlier in the series and Wantz retaliated on Sunday. Wantz has not appealed the suspension and will begin to serve it on Monday night as his teammates take on the Chicago White Sox at home. Wantz has a 3.18 across 12 appearances for Los Angeles in 2022.
