What We Learned After the First Week of Spring Training

Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training last week and the full team reported this week. After the first week we learned that the Angels signed a pair of relievers to minor league deals and when Shohei Ohtani is expected back. There was also some clarity on the final spot in the rotation as there was a setback for one of the finalists.

The Angels signed a pair of relievers to minor league deals. They signed LHP Dan Jennings, who has a career 2.96 ERA through 344 innings pitched in the big leagues. He has pitched for the Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Milwaukee Brewers. Jennings, will most likely make the opening day roster unless he pitches poorly in spring training. If he does make the team he will reportedly make $1MM and can earn up to $500K in incentives. The other reliever that they signed to a minor league deal is RHP Daniel Hudson. Hudson, has played in 9 seasons in the big leagues while posting a career ERA of 3.99 in 619.2 innings pitched. He has played for the Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hudson will likely not make the opening day roster, but will serve as depth in case of injuries. If he does end up making the the roster, he will make $1.5MM and can earn another $1.5MM in incentives.

The Angels Manager Brad Ausmus also gave another update on when they expect Shohei Ohtani back in season, “I’m not going to put a date on it, but we’re thinking sometime in May.” In response to that Ohtani said, “As a baseball player, I would like to make it on opening day. That’s the thought, but I’m not going to rush myself.”

The battle for the final spot in the starting rotation has 1 contender already eliminated in Nick Tropeano. Tropeano, revealed that he suffered a setback with his shoulder in December. He is more than likely not going to be ready for Opening Day. It is looking more likely that RHP Jaime Barria will win that final spot in the rotation with the other contenders with major league experience will more than likely be heading to the minors. Those other two candidates with big league experience are RHP Felix Pena and LHP Dillon Peters.