The Los Angeles Angels have maintained their faith in Jo Adell despite some incredible struggles from the young outfielder in his first three MLB seasons.
In 68 games played this season heading into Sept. 6, Adell is batting just .219 with a .263 on-base percentage and a 75 wRC+. But from April 7 to June 10, Adell posted a 34.5% strikeout percentage, but in 87 plate appearances, he was able to log a 93 wRC+. After his return to MLB, he has reverted to his old ways and continues to scruffle.
The Angels have been careful not to keep Adell in the same position for too long if he is slumping. Another player on their roster who has endured a similar path is utilityman, Luis Rengifo.
In three seasons, Rengifo posted a combined wRC+ of 67, but this year in his age 25 seasons, he has a 107 wRC+ and is enjoying his best statistical year. Adell could benefit from a similar turnaround in what could soon be make-or-break territory, via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“I do watch that,” Adell said. “What (Rengifo) has done is not only taken his approach and made it shorter. He’s made great contact, but he’s also been able to just go out and just react. I think once he went the mode of just going out reacting, he was banging balls around and doing his thing, so I’m definitely trying to find my own version of that.”
Adell was drafted in the first round of the 2017 June Amateur Draft, and the red flags that followed him as a prospect, are still much of the same.
“You’ve got to remember he’s just 23,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said. “For a lot of guys, things don’t happen until the mid-20s. It’s a guy you’ve got to be patient with. There’s a lot of talent there. Coach him the right way. Love him the right way. Eventually, we’re going to see a superstar player. I think it’s in there. I’ve told him that. One of my goals is to make him the superstar player that I think he can be.”
Tucker Davidson shows ‘flashes’ but has problems against Houston Astros
Tucker Davidson is still trying to prove he has a role in the future of the Angels. He was the team’s desired acquisition in the trade that sent Raisel Iglesias to the Atlanta Braves, but it was well known that he had some work to do.
With the Angels out of playoff contention, interim manager Phil Nevin made it clear that Davidson would get all the opportunities he’ll need. In another one of those chances on Sunday against the Houston Astros, Davidson showed a largely mixed bag.
On one hand, Davidson pitched into the seventh inning, and recorded 19 outs on only 88 pitches. On the other hand, he gave up seven earned runs, including five in the second inning. The outing increased Davidson’s ERA to 6.39 since being acquired by the Angels.
