Los Angeles Angels News

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Ben Joyce • RP • Angels

Ben Joyce A Saves Target To Close Out the Season

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Ben Joyce didn't make his 2026 debut until Aug. 5 due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire first half of the season. The hard-throwing righty has thrown five scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk, and six strikeouts to get started, and he has recorded saves in each of his last two appearances. The Angels might continue to use a closer-by-committee down the stretch, also involving left-hander Samy Natera Jr. (he had a save last Tuesday) and right-hander Jose Fermin, but Joyce has a great opportunity to lead the team in save chances to close out the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in 2022 from the University of Tennessee had four saves in the 2024 season and has gone 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 50:25 K:BB in 54 innings with the Halos since he made his major-league debut back in 2023. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are searching for saves should look Joyce's way off the waiver wire. He's rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.

4 days ago

Oswald Peraza • 2B • Angels

Oswald Peraza Takes Swings on Thursday

Los Angeles Angels infielder Oswald Peraza (hand) was expected to take swings ahead of Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers, according to Jack Janes. Peraza is being held out of Thursday's lineup after he suffered a hand contusion in Wednesday's game. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Peraza can play defense, but they want to make sure he's comfortable with the bat before he returns to the lineup. Fantasy managers should consider Peraza as day-to-day with a left-hand contusion. This season, Peraza is slashing .229/.276/.353 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, and 12 steals in 101 games this season. He's able to do a little bit of everything, which gives him some deep league appeal in 9-cat leagues.

7 days ago

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Zach Neto Takes a Seat on Thursday

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is out of the starting lineup ahead of Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers. There is no word of any injury, so this is assumed to be a regular rest night for Neto. The young shortstop has been struggling with a .147/.171/.294 slash line over the last week. Given the Angels aren't really playing for anything at this point in the season, they might as well let Neto have the night off. Denzer Guzman will cover shortstop and bat sixth versus right-hander Jacob deGrom on Thursday. Fantasy managers should expect Neto to be back on Friday.

7 days ago

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Mike Trout Heating Up After July Power Outage

Across 456 plate appearances in 2026, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is hitting .240/.386/.447 with 20 home runs, 44 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. The oft-injured slugger has spent time on the injury list once again this year, but he's stayed healthy outside of a hamstring strain that caused him to miss about three weeks right before the All-Star break. Trout may have still been feeling the effects of the hamstring injury immediately after his return, as he hit just one home run in the month of July. However, the 35-year-old has begun to turn it on of late, logging two home runs, five RBI, and two stolen bases across his last 26 plate appearances. Trout's barrel rate is down from his peak but remains elite at 16.7%, and his 18.0% walk rate keeps his production floor extremely high. As long as he can stay on the field the rest of the way, Trout profiles as a high-upside power source for fantasy managers.

Aug 13

Ben Joyce • RP • Angels

Ben Joyce Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ben Joyce notched his first save of 2026 on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Joyce has barely pitched in the last two seasons due to shoulder issues. However, the 25-year-old has been steady since making his 2026 season debut on August 5, allowing just one hit and zero earned runs across four innings. If Joyce can stay healthy, he may be the highest-upside reliever in the Angels bullpen. He's averaging 101.3 miles per hour on his fastball and features a power sinker that should make him very difficult to take deep. While Joyce does not have an established track record as the Angels closer, he could still be the team's preferred option at this point in the season. Fantasy managers in need of saves should target Joyce on the waiver wire.

Aug 13

Walbert Ureña • SP • Angels

Walbert Urena Has Established Himself as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Walbert Urena has been one of the team's lone bright spots so far this season, recording a 7-8 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts across 101 2/3 innings (21 games). The 22-year-old's slightly inflated WHIP is a symptom of his issues with command, as he's logged a 12.6% walk rate. However, Urena's power sinker has helped him earn a stellar 54% ground ball rate. He's also been extremely difficult to take deep, allowing just 0.53 HR/9. Urena's 22.2% strikeout rate limits his fantasy upside, but the young right-hander has been an effective innings eater already and has plenty of time to continue to get better. In most league formats, Urena should be a priority waiver wire target where available.

Aug 12

José Fermín • LF • Cardinals |

José Fermin • RP • Angels

Jose Fermin Emerging as a Potential Deep-League Saves Source

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jose Fermin has been an emergent young arm in his team's bullpen in 2026. Across 39 innings (36 games), the 24-year-old has recorded a 3.23 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts. Fermin is averaging 96.8 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 26.5% of the batters he's faced this year. He also picked up the first save of his big-league career on Friday. With the Angels having traded right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, Fermin could be poised to step into more regular save opportunities in Los Angeles. The Angels have other high-leverage options in right-hander Ben Joyce and left-hander Samy Natera Jr., so fantasy managers should not expect Fermin to exclusively work in the ninth inning. Still, Fermin could be a worthy flier to target on the waiver wire in deeper leagues.

Aug 11

George Klassen • SP • Angels

George Klassen Recalled To Start Friday Against Marlins

Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher George Klassen was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday and will start against the Miami Marlins. The 24-year-old gets another shot after a difficult two-start stint in April, when he allowed six earned runs and walked 10 batters in just 4 2/3 innings. Klassen has been much better since returning to Salt Lake, particularly in July. He posted a 2.48 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 38 strikeouts across 36 1/3 innings and was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Month. The strikeouts led the PCL during that stretch. Klassen's first trip to the majors showed how quickly his control can unravel, but his recent run makes this return worth watching. He is a risky streamer for Friday and more of a deep-league option until he shows he can throw enough strikes against major-league hitters.

Aug 7

Samy Natera Jr. • RP • Angels

Samy Natera Jr. Now Firmly in the Mix for Saves in Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels rookie left-handed reliever Samy Natera Jr. is now firmly in the mix for saves in Anaheim after the Halos traded away relievers Kirby Yates and Ryan Zeferjahn at the deadline on Monday. Hard-throwing right-hander Ben Joyce will surely be involved as well, but Natera is worth consideration in deeper fantasy baseball leagues for managers who are desperate for saves. The Mexican hurler is currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. In the team's 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Thursday, Natera gave up a hit while walking none and striking out two in 1 1/3 innings for his second save of the season. The 26-year-old southpaw has looked good of late, giving up just one earned run with three walks and 23 strikeouts in his last 11 appearances out of the bullpen since he allowed a career-high four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning to the Boston Red Sox on the Fourth of July. Natera has a 2.16 ERA (1.90 FIP), 0.88 WHIP, and 38:10 K:BB in his first 25 relief innings at the big-league level.

Aug 7

Arjun Nimmala • SS • Angels

Arjun Nimmala Day-to-Day With Hand Laceration

Los Angeles Angels shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala (hand), who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the trade involving right-hander Jose Soriano, is day-to-day after leaving Double-A Rocket City's game on Thursday with a left-hand laceration, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Nimmala, who is considered the Angels' No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, doubled twice for the Trash Pandas before leaving the contest. The 20-year-old former 20th overall selection by Toronto in 2023 spent most of his time this year at Double-A New Hampshire, hitting .279/.355/.451 with an .806 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 21 runs scored, and four stolen bases in only 33 games across 138 plate appearances. Nimmala came into Thursday's game, his second with Rocket City, hitting .261 (59-for-226) with eight homers, 34 RBI, 41 runs, and six stolen bases in 63 minor-league games with five different teams in 2026. The 6-foot, 190-pounder might only be average, at best, at defense at the 6 long-term, but he has intriguing power potential from the right side of the plate. Nimmala isn't expected to be a candidate for his MLB debut until 2028.

Aug 7

George Klassen • SP • Angels

George Klassen Could Come Through as a Late-Season Stash

Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen has had solid success with Triple-A Salt Lake this season, pitching to a 6-6 record with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP to go with 88 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched. Klassen's strikeout rate is a bit underwhelming but he has a decent record and solid ERA and WHIP. The right-hander is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Angels' system. The 24-year-old has the experience necessary to pitch at the major league level if given an opportunity. He has a 70-grade fastball with two 55-grade secondary pitches in his curveball and slider. The Angels seem to have an opening in their rotation and could look toward Klassen's power arm to fill that spot. He needs to improve his strikeout rate for fantasy purposes but he is an arm that is worth taking a chance on in deep leagues.

Aug 6

Ryan Zeferjahn • RP • Angels

Ryan Zeferjahn Continues to Emerge in Angels Bullpen

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn continues to emerge at the back end of the team's bullpen in the second half of the season after picking up his fourth save of the year in the team's 3-0 win over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Zeferjahn allowed two hits, no walks, and struck out four in his 1 2/3 innings of work in the series finale at Angel Stadium. The 28-year-old former third-rounder by the Boston Red Sox in 2019 from the University of Kansas is 4-3 on the year with a 3.66 ERA (3.77 FIP) and 1.20 WHIP with 75 strikeouts and 32 walks in 51 2/3 innings out of the bullpen in his third year in the majors with the Halos. In 11 outings (12 1/3 innings pitched) since the beginning of July, Zeferjahn has allowed only three earned runs with two walks, 21 strikeouts, two saves, and three holds for the Angels. With Ben Joyce still on the injured list, Zeferjahn has become manager Kurt Suzuki's primary closer of late, giving him waiver-wire appeal in deeper fantasy leagues for managers who are desperate for saves. Zeferjahn is rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.

Aug 3

Arjun Nimmala • SS • Angels

Top Prospect Arjun Nimmala Shipped to Angels in Major Trade

The Toronto Blue Jays are trading top infield prospect Arjun Nimmala, along with outfielder Eddie Micheletti and right-handed pitcher Angel Rivero, to acquire starting pitcher Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. Nimmala is the clear top return in this package for the Angels. Per MLB.com, the shortstop currently sits as the No. 46 overall prospect in the sport and was the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Toronto system ahead of the trade. In 2026, the former 20th overall selection has split most of his time between High-A and Double-A. After logging 23 games at High-A, Nimmala was given the green light to join Double-A New Hampshire, where he has posted a sharp .279/.355/.451 line with nine doubles, four home runs and four stolen bases. Dynasty managers should keep a close eye on Nimmala's progression as he should contend for an early call-up to Triple-A in 2027, which could open the door for a second-half MLB debut.

Aug 3

José Soriano • SP • Angels

Jose Soriano Scratched From Saturday's Start With Trade Deadline Approaching

The Los Angeles Angels announced that right-hander Jose Soriano has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers with Monday's trade deadline right around the corner. "Today, Jose Soriano will not make his scheduled start. With the trade deadline on Monday and the uncertainty of the next 48 hours, we decided to take a prudent approach and see where these next few days lead us," baseball operations consultant John Mozeliak said in a statement. Left-hander Brent Suter will open Saturday's bullpen game against the Brew Crew. Both Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers could be traded by the Halos this weekend, with the team looking at a potential full rebuild after another dismal season in 2026. The 27-year-old Soriano was looking like one of the best pitchers in baseball early this year before coming back to Earth quickly, and he currently sits with a 9-6 record, career-low 3.29 ERA (3.79 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 127 strikeouts and a league-high 57 walks in 123 innings and 22 starts. Soriano's volatile command makes him a boom/bust fantasy starting pitcher, but his overall value should be boosted if he's traded to a contender this weekend.

Aug 1

Luke Murphy • RP • Angels

Angels Promote Pitching Prospect Luke Murphy to the Majors

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Luke Murphy is being called up to the majors, according to MiLB Central. The 26-year-old earned the promotion after posting a 0.71 ERA across 34 appearances for Double-A Rocket City this season. Opposing hitters batted just .170 against the right-hander, who has handled late-inning work in the minors. The report did not specify Murphy's initial role in the Angels' bullpen or provide a corresponding roster move. His success at Double-A makes him a pitcher to monitor, particularly in AL-only and saves-plus-holds leagues, but fantasy managers should wait to see how Los Angeles uses him before making an addition in standard mixed formats.

Jul 31

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Angels Willing to Discuss Trading Zach Neto

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto could be on the move soon with the trade deadline quickly approaching. According to Mark Feinsand, the Angels are willing to listen to offers on Neto, Reid Detmers, and Jose Soriano. It does seem a bit odd that the Angels are willing to move Neto, who is one of the key building blocks of this team. Plenty of organizations are looking to infield help, so the Angels could be looking to cash in on Neto's value while it's high. A change of scenery could be good for Neto's long-term value, but we'll see if the Angels are truly interested in dealing him.

Jul 29

Freddy Peralta • SP • Mets |

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Zach Neto, Freddy Peralta Drawing Trade Interest From Rays

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto and New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta are among the players drawing trade interest from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Angels are listening on Neto but have placed a high asking price on the 25-year-old, who is batting .235/.326/.440 with 19 home runs, 46 RBI, 71 runs, and 13 steals in 104 games. Peralta has struggled in New York, going 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings over 22 starts. He can become a free agent after the season, while Neto remains under club control through 2029. Tampa Bay is considering another starter to help manage its rotation workloads, but neither player appears close to being moved. Their fantasy outlooks remain unchanged for now.

Jul 28

Reid Detmers • SP • Angels

Cubs, White Sox Showing Interest in Reid Detmers

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have each shown interest in trading for Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers, multiple sources told Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports. Detmers has generated plenty of interest around the league as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches, and both the Cubs and White Sox need pitching as they look to finish the second half strong. The 27-year-old southpaw is currently 3-7 on the season with a 4.05 ERA (3.28 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 136 strikeouts and 37 walks in 120 innings across his 21 starts in his sixth year in the major leagues with the Halos. He has two more years of club control, making him one of the few available starting pitchers with that distinction, and would definitely fit the White Sox's young core as they seek to win the American League Central in 2026. The Cubs, meanwhile, have had an extremely banged-up starting rotation for most of the season. Detmers' teammate, right-hander Jose Soriano, should attract plenty of attention at this year's deadline as well if the Angels are serious about selling and rebuilding.

Jul 27

Mitch Farris • RP • Angels

Mitch Farris Emerging as Potential Deep-League Saves Source

Los Angeles Angels left-handed reliever Mitch Farris could be emerging as a deep-league waiver-wire option for fantasy managers who are desperate for saves after he picked up his first career save in the team's 4-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. In two-thirds of an inning at Oracle Park, Farris allowed one hit and struck out one batter to close things out in the Bay Area. The 25-year-old southpaw entered the contest with two runners on base and one out in the ninth inning, and he allowed a two-out double to Luis Arraez, but the runs were not charged to him. The former 14th-round pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2023 out of Wingate University is 0-1 on the year with a 3.53 ERA (4.84 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 18 walks in 43 1/3 innings across his 22 relief appearances. The Angels are technically rolling with a closer-by-committee situation that also involves Ryan Zeferjahn, Sam Bachman, and Kirby Yates, so we'd be surprised to see Farris earn many more save chances going forward for one of the worst teams in baseball. Reliever Ben Joyce (shoulder) is getting closer to making his 2026 season debut, too.

Jul 27

George Klassen • SP • Angels

George Klassen Seeing Stash Value Increase as MLB Promotion Approaches

Los Angeles Angels starting pitching prospect George Klassen is emerging as a deep-league stash target. In his most recent outing for Salt Lake, the No. 4-ranked prospect in the system tallied a season-high 11 strikeouts over six innings of one-run ball. This was a nice bounce-back outing from Klassen as he allowed four runs in his previous start against Sacramento. The former sixth-round selection made his MLB debut earlier this season but stumbled, allowing six earned runs (seven total runs) over just 4 2/3 innings. Through 78 1/3 total innings at Triple-A, Klassen has carried a modest 4.25 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP. However, seeing him begin to turn the corner is a positive sign and suggests his second stint in the majors could be far more productive. For now, he is worth monitoring in deeper 12+ team formats.

Jul 25

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