One of the many players who contributed to the Los Angeles Angels this past season included veteran left-hander, Brian Moran, who spent most of the year in Triple-A but appeared with the big club early on.
The 34-year-old made his professional baseball debut back in 2009 after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft out of North Carolina. Twelve years later, he wound up in the Angels farm system with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees to start the 2022 season.
The Angels called him up on April 14 for his second appearance of the season, but struggled and surrendered two earned runs on three hits, including a two-run homer to Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager on a two-strike count.
Moran would go on to allow a single and a double before intentionally walking Adolis Garcia to load the bases. He induced an inning-ending ground out to end the inning. It was the only time he’d spend at the Major League level all season.
Moran was designated for assignment on April 18 and outrighted to Salt Lake. In 45 games with the Bees, he posted a 4.07 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, including 52 strikeouts over 48.2 innings pitched.
Brian Moran 2022 highlight
In a 16-6 blowout win over the Reno Aces on July 27, Moran tossed two innings of scoreless ball, registering four punchouts and allowing just one hit, earning the win.
That outing began a stretch of 17.1 innings in which he posted a 1.56 ERA through Aug. 31, one of his best runs of the season.
2023 outlook
There isn’t much to like about Moran at this stage of his career. At the Major League level, he hasn’t spent meaningful time on a roster and his stuff doesn’t play up as an MLB club would like in order for him to stick. Moran elected free agency on Oct. 7 at the conclusion of the 2022 season and remains unsigned.
General manager Perry Minasian has prioritized upside plays this offseason, but veteran arms have also been important. Unfortunately for Moran, his time in the Angels organization won’t be a priority unless a need for a dependable innings-eater in the Minor Leagues becomes a need.
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