The Los Angeles Angels opened a road series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, and because of regulations in place, Ryan Aguilar was given the opportunity to be a part of a 12-run offensive outburst.
Seven of nine Angels starters got at least one hit, six of nine tallied an RBI, and Mike Trout broke a record. The Angels got the rally monkey off of their back and Aguilar added to that scoring display.
Albeit he didn’t record a hit, Aguilar walked twice, leading to two runs scored, in what was his first career big league game for the 27-year-old with quite a story.
He also recorded his first hit as an Angel in his second career game, and spoke about a much more unclear time in his career. via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“There was a point in time for about a month and a half where I didn’t think I was gonna play again,” said Aguilar, who started in right field for the Angels on Friday. “And then I got myself together around October and I was going to go play independent ball. I started working, grinding. Then in December, the Angels gave me a call and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Aguilar was called up due to Taylor Ward being unvaccinated, which created the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong goal.
The former 31st-round pick out of Yorba Linda, California has enjoyed a solid 2022 minor season thus far. He’s posted a .280 batting average with 15 home runs, 48 RBI and a .944 on-base plus slugging in 271 minor league at-bats.
It’s unclear how much of an opportunity Aguilar will get with the Angels, but however long it is, it’s always great to see a player make the most of a moment.
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