The Los Angeles Angels have recently benefitted from contributions at the big league level by former top prospects thanks to Reid Detmers, Jo Adell, and Brandon Marsh. Unfortunately, top pitching prospect Sam Bachman has a ways to go before he can join them.
In the 2021 MLB Draft, the Angels selected Bachman in the first round, ninth overall. He made his debut in High-A at 21 years old and posted a 1.69 ERA, a 0.656 WHIP, and an 11.0 K/BB in 10.2 IP.
Bachman finished the season at No. 87 on MLB’s Top-100 prospect list because of his performance. He entered the 2022 season as the Angels’ No. 2 prospect, but has moved to first overall with Detmers pitching at the Major League level.
However, Bachman suffered an injury late in Spring Training that kept him sidelined without a definitive timeline, but according to Angels general manager Perry Minasian via Sam Blum of The Athletic, Bachman has resumed throwing:
Angels top prospect Sam Bachman remains out with back spasms. Angels general manager Perry Minasian said Bachman is throwing in Arizona. Minasian could not, however, offer a return timeline for other highly rated prospects Jordyn Adams and Jeremiah Jackson.
It was predicted that Bachman would climb up the Angels ranks very quickly as he has two MLB-ready pitches in his arsenal.
Minasian, however, did not give updates on two of the other Angels highly-rated prospects, Jordyn Adams and Jeremiah Jackson, as Blum notes.
Adams is considered the top athlete in the Angels Minor League system, but the multi-sport college star has reworked and refined his swing over the offseason. The outfielder’s timeline is unclear after being removed from a High-A game on April 13 with an ankle injury.
He got off to an electric start this season with a .438 batting average and a 1.099 OPS.
Jackson was recently placed on the Double-A Rocket City Trash Panda’s 7-day injured list Tuesday with an unspecified injury. The Angels have not provided any more information on their top middle infield prospect on why he is out or when he could return to action.
Former top prospect gets advice from Mike Trout
Before the 2022 season, the Angels figured to be in a great position with their outfield. Mike Trout is healthy with Marsh looking to take the next step and establish himself as a star, but Adell has been somewhat of an enigma.
The former top prospect is still trying to gain his footing at the big league level after a difficult start to his tenure in 2021. Last season he put up a below league average wRC+ of 90 and it seemed that he just wasn’t ready for the Majors.
But with as much raw ability Adell possesses with speed, power, and defensive potential, paring him with Trout and Marsh in the outfield would provide the Angels with a legitimate trio.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!