Reyes Moronta joined the Los Angeles Angels in early May on a Minor League contract after a need for big league-ready bullpen help arose following a handful of long-term injuries.
Now in his sixth season in MLB, Moronta isn’t far removed from some incredibly successful years with the San Francisco Giants from 2017-2021. In that span, he posted a 2.65 ERA, 3.44 FIP in 132.1 innings, and has the stuff to still be successful in MLB.
Through three outings with Triple-A Salt Lake, Moronta tossed four shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out nine. The right-hander made his debut against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, striking out two with no damage allowed.
According to J.P. Hoornstra of the O.C. Register, the veteran reliever’s fast track to big league action with his sixth team in the last year hasn’t been overwhelming:
“It’s not difficult,” Moronta said through an interpreter. “It’s the same baseball. The only thing that changes is the uniform.”
Moronta could be a solid innings guy for the Angels but also has a track record of elite production. As a testament to his continued drive to pitch in MLB, the 30-year-old has the respect of his manager:
“He’s a hard worker,” said manager Phil Nevin, who was the Giants’ third base coach in 2017 when Moronta was also in San Francisco. “Takes the ball any time. He’s the kind of guy who would bounce back real quick. He wants the ball all the time. He’s not afraid. He’s going to come right after you. Really good fastball. If you saw the video down in Salt Lake, he’s pitching the same way.”
Even if expectations are low for Moronta, he’s absolutely capable of being a contributor as the Angels work toward hammering out roles for each of their relievers.
Angels activate Jared Walsh; DFA Brett Phillips
The Angels made a roster move prior to their matchup against the Minnesota Twins by activating Jared Walsh from the 10-day injured list. To make room on the 26-man roster, the club designated Brett Phillips for assignment.
Walsh had been dealing with insomnia and headaches that have kept him out for the season to this point. The illness required him to visit a specialist in Utah to treat his symptoms, and he discussed that the whole thing was making his life “Hell.”
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