Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6’1” 210 lbs. DOB: 2/15/90
(Angels-Majors): 1-1, 7.20 ERA, 6 BBs, 17 Ks, 20.0 IP
(Arkansas): 6-3, 4.20 ERA, 6 BBs, 17 Ks, 79.1 IP
The honor of being first American League player to make it to the Majors from the 2012 draft, and the second overall player from the draft to make it to the Majors belongs to Michael Roth.
Coming in as our #20 prospect, Roth throws 88-91, and occasionally up to 92. That’s a bit higher than he threw in college. But, that’s not what the Angels saw in him that made him standout for such an aggressive promotion. It was his secondary pitches, particularly his changeup which is a plus pitch. He throws a slider from two different angle, which he uses against lefties and righties.
One thing that helps Roth is his incredibly long release point. Coming in at over 7 feet, that shortens the distance to the plate, giving his pitches an apparent increase in velocity of about 2 mph.
Long-term, Roth profiles as a reliever where he had the most in the Majors last year (his ERA took a big hit with his one start). However, with their increase in lefties in the bullpen this offseason, the Angels may continue to have Roth stay in the rotation to give him the most innings. Look for Roth to start in Triple-A this year, and to be on the potential call-up list if the need arises.
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