Gerardo Reyes was among the 66 players who appeared in a game for the Los Angeles Angels during the 2022 season, which marked his first big league action in three years.
Reyes was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent in 2013 before being sent to the San Diego Padres the following year as part of a blockbuster three-team trade with the Washington Nationals.
After four years in the Minors, Reyes would finally make his MLB debut with the Padres in 2019. He went 4-0 with a 7.62 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 1.35 WHIP and 13.2 strikeouts per nine in 26 innings pitched (27 games).
The Angels acquired Reyes from the Padres one year later in exchange for veteran catcher Jason Castro. The right-hander missed the entire 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery but made his way back to the Majors this past season.
Reyes’ contract was selected by the Angels prior to their matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 26 as part of a series of roster moves. He appeared in the eighth inning that night and escaped a bases-loaded jam to complete a scoreless frame.
Reyes’ only other appearance with the Angels came two days later when he allowed one run on two hits and issued a walk in one inning of work.
Reyes was optioned back to Triple-A Salt Lake after the game, where he remained for the remainder of the 2022 season. He found more success with the Bees, going 3-4 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 11.4 K/9 in 45.2 frames (46 games).
Gerardo Reyes 2022 highlight
Reyes returning to the Majors was a highlight of his own, but in terms of his best statistical performance, the 20-year-old went 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 11.7 K/9 over 10 innings for the Bees during the month of May, while holding opponents to a .125 batting average.
2023 outlook
The Angels re-signed Reyes to a Minor League contract earlier this offseason and he will continue serving as bullpen depth.
Depending on potential injuries, Reyes could find himself back up with the Angels at some point during the 2023 season. If he can get his walks under control a bit, he has intriguing upside as a potential late-inning arm, but he has not shown much hope of figuring out his walk issue.
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