Los Angeles Angels News

Nicky Lopez • 2B • Angels

Nicky Lopez Signs With Angels

Free-agent infielder Nicky Lopez has signed an undisclosed major-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday and will be on the team's Opening Day roster. The Chicago Cubs cut Lopez despite the fact that he went 9-for-20 (.450) with two doubles and three runs scored in nine Cactus League games in spring training. The 30-year-old veteran will provide the Angels with veteran infield depth as they navigate injuries to shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) and third basemen Yoan Moncada (thumb) and Anthony Rendon (hip) to begin the 2025 regular season. The former fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2016 out of Creighton University has six years of big-league experience but has been a below-average hitter with very little power (seven homers). At best, Lopez could be worth a look in AL-only leagues for his speed (47 career steals) for infield depth.

5 hours ago

Ryan Johnson • 2B • Astros |

Ryan Johnson • RP • Angels

Ryan Johnson Makes Angels Opening Day Roster

Right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Johnson has made the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day roster despite having not pitched at all in the minor leagues after being taken in the second round last year, sources tell ESPN's Jeff Passan. Johnson becomes the second pitcher to make his MLB debut without pitching at all in the minors since left-hander Garrett Crochet. The Halos have been known to be aggressive in promoting their young prospects, but this is taking it to another level. The 22-year-old right-hander gave up five runs while striking out 10 and walking only one in 11 1/3 Cactus League innings this spring. The hard-throwing youngster has the strikeout upside to eventually settle into a late-inning role in the team's bullpen, but growing pains should be expected given his extreme lack of experience.

7 hours ago

Yoán Moncada • 3B • Angels

Yoan Moncada Resumes Throwing On Monday

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada (thumb) was able to resume throwing the baseball on Monday. This is a positive step forward for Moncada who has been dealing with right thumb soreness for the last few weeks. When healthy, Moncada is expected to be the everyday option at third base in Los Angeles. However, the Angels are uncertain if Moncada will be ready in time for Thursday's season opener. Moncada has struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons, but could have some deep league value, assuming he plays everyday.

Yesterday

Reid Detmers • SP • Angels

Reid Detmers To Start In The Bullpen

Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers will open the 2025 regular season in the bullpen, according to manager Ron Washington. Detmers will be set for a long-relief/swing role to start after losing out on the final starting rotation spot to sinker-baller right-hander Jack Kochanowicz. The 25-year-old southpaw will almost certainly make some starts for the Halos this year, but it won't be early in the season. Detmers, a former first-rounder in 2020, wasn't bad this spring, as he had a 2.79 ERA and 1.09 WHIP while walking four and striking out 17 in 19 1/3 Cactus League innings over six appearances (three starts). He started off last year strong before going 0-6 with an 8.93 ERA in eight starts, which earned him a trip to Triple-A Salt Lake. Detmers has already thrown a no-hitter at the big-league level, but he continues to search for consistency and won't really have much fantasy appeal as long as he's pitching in relief.

Yesterday

Jack Kochanowicz • SP • Angels

Jack Kochanowicz Named Angels No. 5 Starter

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz will be the team's No. 5 starting pitcher to open the 2025 regular season, according to manager Ron Washington. Left-hander Reid Detmers will begin the year in the bullpen. Kochanowicz, a former third-rounder in 2019, impressed enough during spring training by posting a 2.92 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with seven strikeouts and four walks in 12 1/3 innings over his four starts to beat out Detmers, who is the more experienced arm. It's not great news for fantasy, as the 6-foot-7 Kochanowicz lacks strikeout upside and is more of a ground-ball pitcher thanks to his sinker. In his first 11 starts in his MLB debut a year ago, Kochanowicz had an ERA just under 4.00 and a 1.19 WHIP, but he struck out only 25 and walked 10 in 65 1/3 innings of work. He'll only be worth a look as an innings-eater in AL-only leagues.

Yesterday

Ian Anderson • SP • Angels

Ian Anderson Traded To Angels

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The right-hander has posted a strong 2.25 ERA across 20 innings of work this spring. However, Anderson has experienced trouble with his command considering he has walked 18 batters heading into Sunday's game. It's unclear if the Angels plan to use him in the rotation or send him to the bullpen until he's able to get his command under control. In exchange for Anderson, the Braves will receive left-hander Jose Suarez. The southpaw posted good numbers in 2021 and 2022. After that, Suarez completely fell apart, but it'll be good deal for Atlanta if they can get Suarez back on track.

2 days ago

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Zach Neto Ahead Of Schedule In Recovery From Shoulder Surgery

The Sporting Tribune's Jack Janes writes that Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) has been able to do just about every defensive drill in camp that the rest of the team is doing outside of throwing. His throwing program didn't allow him to throw across the diamond until he reached 120 feet, which he accomplished this past week. The 24-year-old finally started throwing to first base last Sunday and said his arm is feeling good. Neto has also been swinging the bat in batting practice and in the cages as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery that will cause him to start the 2025 season on the injured list. "Honestly, I feel really great with my shoulder and where it's at. I'm feeling way stronger since when I first walked in here," Neto said. Kevin Newman is expected to start the year as the team's starting shortstop, but it might not be long before Neto makes his 2025 debut.

4 days ago

José Fermín • 2B • Cardinals |

Jose Fermin • RP • Angels

Jose Fermin Makes Opening Day Roster

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Jose Fermin has made the team's Opening Day roster, sources told The Athletic's Katie Woo. Fermin will serve in a backup utility role and as a contact bat off the bench. The 25-year-old beat out Jose Barrero for one of the final spots on the team's Opening Day roster. The Dominican infielder has hit .282 (11-for-39) with a homer, five doubles, nine RBI and two runs scored in 17 Grapefruit League games. He's likely to see most of his playing time at second base in St. Louis, especially if Nolan Gorman's struggles from last year continue. Fermin tore up Triple-A pitching in 2024, but he struggled offensively in 45 games at the big-league level, slashing just .155/.241/.197 with no homers, four RBI, two steals and seven runs scored in 79 plate appearances. At best, he's a deep bench stash in NL-only leagues for his speed.

4 days ago

Chase Silseth • SP • Angels

Chase Silseth Optioned To Triple-A

The Los Angeles Angels have optioned right-handed pitcher Chase Silseth to Triple-A Salt Lake. Silseth was competing for a spot in the rotation but fell short. Last season, the right-hander logged just eight innings in the majors before needing elbow surgery. In 2023, Silseth logged a career-high 52 1/3 innings in the major leagues and held a 3.96 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. He tallied 56 strikeouts but served up a hefty 24 free passes. Across 74 career innings at the Triple-A level, the Arizona product has posted a 4.26 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. Silseth has tallied just 65 strikeouts while showing weak control as he served up 38 free passes. Fantasy managers should expect Silseth to be in the mix to return to the majors later in the summer. As a result, Jack Kochanowicz, Reid Detmers, and Sam Bachman will likely be the favorites to land the final spot in the rotation.

6 days ago

Travis Blankenhorn • 2B • Angels

Travis Blankenhorn Signs Minor-League Deal With Halos

The Los Angeles Angels have signed Travis Blankenhorn to a minor-league contract. Last summer, Blankenhorn spent 13 games in the major leagues with Washington. Across this small stint, Blankenhorn held a .129/.156/.161 slash line. In 106 games at Triple-A, Blankenhorn posted a .238/.322/.499 slash line with 22 doubles and 26 home runs. He held a 41:118 BB:K and swiped two bags. Across 49 career MLB contests, Blankenhorn has tallied just 14 hits, with only six of them going for extra bases. Fantasy managers should expect the 28-year-old to operate in a depth role at the Triple-A level. He could return to the majors when the Angels need additional outfield depth. However, given his lack of consistent success in the majors, he is not worth targeting any format.

6 days ago

Angel Perdomo • SP • Angels

Angel Perdomo Traded To The Angels

Relief pitcher Angel Perdomo was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. He has looked good this spring and figures to slot into a spot in the Angels' bullpen. The lefty missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery but was productive in 2023. He posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 44 strikeouts in 29 innings. Although it was a smaller sample, his 37.6% strikeout rate, 2.75 xERA, and .183 xBA all graded out as elite. He should serve as a solid middle reliever behind the Angels' high-leverage arms of Kenley Jansen, Ben Joyce, and Brock Burke.

Mar 18

Yoán Moncada • 3B • Angels

Yoan Moncada Could Land On Injured List

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada (thumb) could begin the regular season on the injured list. Moncada was scratched ahead of Friday's game due to a sore thumb. At first glance, the Angels thought it was a day-to-day issue, but it appears to be more serious than that. The Angels haven't given a timetable for Moncada, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him sidelined to begin the season. The injury to Moncada probably means Tim Anderson gets more time at second base with Luis Rengifo likely sliding over to third base.

Mar 16

Yoán Moncada • 3B • Angels

Yoan Moncada Scratched On Friday With Thumb Soreness

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada (thumb) was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup against the division-rival Athletics due to thumb soreness, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Meanwhile, Luis Rengifo (hamstring) is returning to the spring lineup on Friday for the first time this month due to hamstring tightness he's been dealing with. It's unclear how serious Moncada's thumb issue is or if it will cause him to miss additional time. With Anthony Rendon (hip) out for the foreseeable future, Moncada has an opportunity to see regular playing time at the hot corner in Anaheim to start the season, although Rengifo is also an option there. The 29-year-old Cuban infielder hit 25 homers for the White Sox in 2019 but hasn't come close to replicating his numbers that season and played in only 12 games due to injury in 2024. He'll have to prove himself before becoming worth a roster spot in mixed fantasy leagues.

Mar 14

Luis Rengifo • 3B • Angels

Luis Rengifo Returns To The Lineup On Friday

Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) is back in the team's split-squad Cactus League lineup on Friday against the division-rival Athletics and is playing third base and batting leadoff. It's the first spring game for Rengifo in the month of March after dealing with hamstring tightness and being scratched from the lineup multiple times last week. The 28-year-old utility infielder has a few weeks to get ready for Opening Day, but if he has any more setbacks, he'll likely need to start the regular season on the injured list. If he's healthy by March 27, Rengifo should be in the Angels' lineup regularly between third base, shortstop and second base. He was initially eased into spring action after having wrist surgery last August. Rengifo's speed, contact abilities and positional versatility make him a late-round target as infield depth in fantasy leagues. UPDATE: Manager Ron Washington thinks Rengifo has enough time to get ready for Opening Day as long as he doesn't have any setbacks.

Mar 14

Jack Kochanowicz • SP • Angels

Jack Kochanowicz Making Case For Fifth Rotation Spot

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz is making his case for the fifth rotation spot for the team, now with a 1.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and a 1:6 BB:K through nine Cactus League innings. The 6-foot-7 righty made his MLB debut last season, posting a 3.99 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 11 starts, but the strikeouts lagged (9.4 percent). With a SIERA of 4.56 after 2024 was over and the lack of strikeouts that was a trend even in the minors as well (19.0 percent K% in 66 stars), it's hard to envision things getting drastically better for the 24-year-old in 2025. Nevertheless, the former third-round draft pick could have some value in AL-only leagues were he to win the job out of camp, so monitor this situation for any developments if you play in that format.

Mar 14

Luis Rengifo • 3B • Angels

Luis Rengifo To Hit In Minor-League Game On Wednesday

Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) is scheduled to get some at-bats in camp on Wednesday in a minor-league game, but he won't play the field or run the bases. Rengifo, who was scratched twice last week from Cactus League games with hamstring tightness, is just trying to get his timing down at this point. The 28-year-old switch-hitter is running out of time to be ready for Opening Day later this month, although the Angels haven't ruled him out just yet because of his lingering hamstring issues. With shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) already starting on the injured list, the Angels could go with Yoan Moncada at third, Kevin Newman at short and rookie Christian Moore at second to open the regular season if Rengifo also requires an IL stint. When healthy, Rengifo should be a lineup regular between third and second base in 2025.

Mar 12

Christian Moore • 2B • Angels

Christian Moore Could Start On Opening Day

Los Angeles Angels second base prospect Christian Moore could be given the starting nod on Opening Day. Their primary second baseman, Luis Rengifo (hamstring), may be in danger of missing time, which could open a spot for the budding star. The Angels drafted Moore with the eighth overall pick in last year's draft. He immediately made an impact in the minor leagues as he slashed stellar .322/.378/.533 line across his first 23 games at Double-A. He went deep five times during this stint and added five doubles with two stolen bases. Throughout spring training, the Tennessee product has posted a .281/.395/.344 line. Other options to replace Rengifo are veteran Tim Anderson, Scott Kingery, and JD Davis. If Moore were to break camp with the major league team, he would have value as a late-round middle infielder with upside.

Mar 11

Luis Rengifo • 3B • Angels

Luis Rengifo Takes Part In On-Field Drills

Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) participated in on-field drills at camp on Monday and still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day later this month despite being scratched for a second time in a week on Sunday due to a tight hamstring. Manager Ron Washington said the team hasn't made a decision on who will start at shortstop or second base yet to begin the 2025 regular season. On Sunday, Washington said the Angels would back off Rengifo so that he can get past his hamstring issue, which puts his availability for Opening Day in question. Starting shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) will start the year on the injured list, so the Angels' infield options are thinning quickly. Veteran Kevin Newman is the favorite to start at the 6, while infield prospect Christian Moore is looking increasingly likely to make the Opening Day roster, especially if Rengifo isn't ready.

Mar 10

Luis Rengifo • 3B • Angels

Luis Rengifo Now In Question For Opening Day

The Los Angeles Angels plan to back off with infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) because of more tightness in his hamstring that caused him to be scratched from the Cactus League lineup on Saturday for the second time this week. Manager Ron Washington said Rengifo was already behind after missing time in camp with an illness, and now the skipper is unsure if Rengifo will be ready for Opening Day later this month. The Angels aren't going to take any chances with the 28-year-old utility infielder, which makes sense given the fact that starting shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) is already going to start the year on the injured list. When healthy, Rengifo is expected to be an everyday player for the Angels, primarily at second and third base. He offers limited power, but his contact and speed skills make him an attractive target for infield depth in deeper leagues. If he's not ready, it will only increase the odds of infield prospect Christian Moore making the Opening Day roster.

Mar 9

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Zach Neto Taking Part In Defensive Drills

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) was seen taking soft grounders and throwing to second base on Saturday. Even though Neto will not be ready for Opening Day, it appears his absence will not extend through much of April. During the offseason, the infielder underwent shoulder surgery but could be nearing the end of his recovery plan. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team hopes he can make his 2025 debut sometime in April. Last season, Neto enjoyed a breakout season as he went deep 23 times and added 30 stolen bases. He posted a .249/.318/.443 slash line across 155 contests. The former 13th overall pick generated a low .236 xBA which suggests he may face some regression when he returns. Fantasy managers should target Neto as a low-end No. 1 shortstop in standard rotisserie leagues as he can contribute to all five standard categories.

Mar 9

Los Angeles Angels News

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