The May 26, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes the team adding some versatility and bench depth, Tyler Skaggs possibly starting a rehab assignment this weekend, and more…
The Story: Kaleb Cowart recalled from Triple-A, LHP Lucas Luetge designated for assignment
MWAH Says: Cowart is unlikely to get any time at third base with the Angels, so it’s a good thing he’s added second and first base to his repertoire. He could spot Johnny Giavotella or C.J. Cron on days where the team wants a third lefty bat in the lineup. He’s also the lone lefty bench bat now that Ji-Man Choi is in the minors. Luetge spent all of two days with the Angels bullpen and didn’t get an appearance. Bummer. Really could have used him Wednesday…
The Story: Tyler Skaggs could begin minor-league rehab assignment this weekend
MWAH Says: It all hinges on how he feels today following his Wednesday bullpen session. If he does start an assignment this weekend, the Angels rotation could be suddenly flush with starting pitchers next month. Guess it’s a good thing they’re going to deal some of them away at the deadline.
The Story: C.J. Wilson goes 4+ innings in first rehab start at High-A
MWAH Says: The final line: 4+ IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K. Not too bad for his first outing in 10 months. His next start will be next Monday, but it’s unclear whether it will be with Inland Empire again or Triple-A Salt Lake. Either way his earliest return to the Angels is probably the second week of June, so he’s got at least two minor-league starts left.
The Story: Jett Bandy dealing with a hamstring cramp
MWAH Says: Bandy seemed to tweak something when he connected with his second hit on Wednesday and was promptly removed from the game. A hamstring cramp is typically a day-to-day thing, but Cliff Pennington left a game two weeks ago with leg cramps and ended up on the DL, so… At this point with this team, it’s probably fair to assume the worst of any injury.
The Story: Nick Buss hoping hot start in Salt Lake leads to a return to the majors
MWAH Says: Meet the new Matt Long. If prolonged injuries to Daniel Nava and Craig Gentry didn’t earn Buss a taste of big-league action, I’m not sure what will. His 22 extra-base hits in 39 Triple-A games are certainly a feat, but he’s also a 29-year-old in a hitter-friendly league posting better numbers than he ever has before in relatively small sample (171 PA). If he’s still lighting the world on fire come July, maybe he gets a shot.
The Story: Uncompetitive minor-league wages might be deterring talent
MWAH Says: An interesting way to frame the whole “minor leaguers make absurdly low wages” situation. Seen through this lens, it makes you wonder why some franchise hasn’t taken it upon itself to pay its minor-league players more and potentially draw more talent its way.
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