The Atlanta Braves acquired right-hander Davis Daniel from the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in exchange for minor-league left-hander Mitch Farris. Daniel will head to the National League after the Angels designated him for assignment this offseason. The 27-year-old former seventh-rounder in 2019 out of Auburn made his big-league debut in Anaheim in 2023 and went 1-for-4 in his second season in 2024 with a rough 6.23 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in just 30 1/3 innings pitched over his six starts. The Braves have some opportunities in their starting rotation in 2025, but Daniel will most likely begin the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett. Farris, 23, was taken in the 14th round in 2023 out of Wingate. He held a 3.08 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 131:43 K:BB in 108 innings over 25 outings (19 starts) at three minor-league levels in 2024.
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Davis Daniel dominated the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, throwing eight innings of shutout ball in his first major league start. Daniel allowed only four hits and walked none while striking out eight in a sensational performance. This start wasn't a fluke either, as Daniel generated soft contact and plenty of whiffs. All that said, he wasn't a well known prospect and didn't have great results in the minors, so he will need to have more than one good start to become fantasy relevant. Still, it is worth keeping an eye on the 27-year-old.
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect Davis Daniel has the tools of a long-term rotation piece in the majors, boasting a great mid-90s fastball with movement. He has also harnessed his curveball and slider quite well, showing that both of his breaking offerings can be lethal put-away pitches late in the count. His repertoire rounds out with a subpar changeup. Command-wise, Daniel found success pounding the strike zone in college and his first pro season, but his strikeout numbers have dipped significantly in 2022. On a positive note, his control remains solid; Daniel's 2.75 BB/9 exceeds expectations. Daniel was effective in his start last Monday, delivering 7.1 innings of scoreless baseball. In addition to holding the Sacramento River Cats to just two hits and zero walks, he struck out four batters. Daniel joined the MLB roster earlier in 2022 but never pitched in a game. That should change in 2023 as the Angels need pitching help and the right-hander continues to show potential.
Davis Daniel
• SP
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Braves
