Welcome to the Angels’ prospect update, where you’ll find news, promotions and standout performances, all year long.
Davis tallies three XBH for Triple-A Salt Lake (April 17)
Brendon Davis launched his first home run of 2022 in his second three-hit game of the season.
The 24-year-old went 3-for-5, adding two doubles and three RBIs to his final line in Triple-A Salt Lake’s 12-3 win. Davis is batting .318 with an .862 OPS and five extra-base hits through 12 games this season.
Last year, the No. 22 Angels prospect broke out in a big way. He set career highs in nearly every offensive stat, slamming 30 homers, six triples and 29 doubles with 91 runs scored, 83 RBIs and a .290/.361/.561 slash line. — Nick Trujillo
Bachman throwing in Arizona (April 16)
Right-hander Sam Bachman, who is ranked as the club’s No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, remains on the Minor League injured list, but he has been throwing at the club’s complex in Arizona, general manager Perry Minasian said. Minasian wouldn’t put an official timeline on Bachman’s back injury, but he’s expected to return in a few weeks. Bachman was scheduled to open the season with Double-A Rocket City before he sustained his injury in Spring Training. — Rhett Bollinger
Kerry strikes out 12 for Double-A Rocket City (April 14)
What’s better than setting a career high in strikeouts to start the season? Breaking that record the very next start.
That’s what Brett Kerry did. The right-handed Angels prospect fanned 12 while allowing one run on one hit over five innings in Double-A Rocket City’s 5-3 loss to Pensacola. In his first start of the season against Birmingham on April 8, he racked up eight whiffs over five shutout innings.
“I was definitely able to get behind the ball well and feel myself being vertical down the mound so I could get some good ride up in the zone, just utilizing that fastball up in the zone,” Kerry said. “Getting that up-and-away fastball for the swing-and-misses definitely helped, and having good feel on my breaking stuff to get them off the fastball helped.” Full story »
Adams leaves game with ankle injury (April 14)
Center fielder Jordyn Adams, who is ranked as the Angels’ No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline, has been off to a hot start offensively at High-A Tri-City, batting .438 with a double and a triple in five games. But Adams left Wednesday’s game in the first inning with an ankle injury, the severity of which remains unclear. Tri-City’s scheduled game was postponed due to weather Thursday. — Rhett Bollinger
Detmers solid in ‘B’ game (March 25)
Left-hander Reid Detmers continued his strong spring and his push for the sixth starter role, as he threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts in a “B” game against the D-backs. Detmers, ranked as baseball’s No. 21 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, is competing with Jaime Barría and Janson Junk for the final spot in the rotation. It’s a race that’s still too close to call, as Detmers has been impressive, but Barría is out of options and Detmers could be sent to Triple-A Salt Lake for more seasoning. Barría, though, would head to the bullpen if Detmers makes the club. — Rhett Bollinger
Detmers turns in strong outing (March 20)
Left-hander Reid Detmers is competing for the sixth spot in the rotation with right-hander Jaime Barría and had a solid debut against the Mariners on Sunday. Detmers, ranked as baseball’s No. 21 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, struck out five of the seven batters he faced over two scoreless innings. Manager Joe Maddon was impressed by his command, as Detmers was able to locate his fastball, curveball and slider. Story > — Rhett Bollinger
Adams looking to simplify things (March 8)
Top center field prospect Jordyn Adams is regarded as the best athlete in the Angels’ farm system, but he said he’s finally starting to see himself as just a baseball player and not a multi-sport athlete. Adams was also heavily recruited to play football but said baseball has always been his first love. — Rhett Bollinger Story >
Jackson aiming for more contact at the plate (March 7)
Top shortstop prospect Jeremiah Jackson has plenty of power, with 40 homers in 159 career Minor League games, but he knows he has to cut down on his strikeouts. So Jackson has simplified his swing and has also worked hard to improve his mentality at the plate. — Rhett Bollinger Story >
Bachman on possible fast track to the Majors (March 6)
Right-hander Sam Bachman, considered the club’s top pitching prospect who hasn’t yet reached the Majors, has the stuff to get to the big leagues in a hurry. His fastball has clocked as high as 102 mph, and he has an above-average slider to pair with it. But Bachman, the No. 9 selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, is working to improve his changeup and show that he can be a full-time starter. — Rhett Bollinger Story >