OC Register: Angels make a few more roster moves

[AngelsWin.com]

A day before the season was scheduled to begin, the Angels made a few more roster moves to slightly clear up the picture of how they envision their roster when the season finally starts.

The Angels optioned pitchers Luke Bard and Ryan Buchter, outfielder Michael Hermosillo and first baseman Jared Walsh to Triple-A.

With Opening Day at least two months away because of the coronavirus pandemic, it might be too early to read too much into these moves. It’s also possible that the season will open with teams having expanded rosters, which means there could be more spots up for grabs for the players who have already been optioned.

Buchter, a non-roster invite, was just added to the 40-man roster, a move that allows the Angels to keep him in the organization regardless of whether he’s in the majors.

Optioning Hermosillo could mean the Angels plan to use David Fletcher a significant amount of the time in right field, so Fletcher would essentially be the fourth outfielder.

Sending down Walsh likely means that Matt Thaiss has the inside track on the job at first base when Albert Pujols is on the bench or the DH. Walsh had missed time with an elbow injury before the shutdown, so Thaiss had been in the driver’s seat in that competition.

Taylor Cole, who had been designated for assignment to create a 40-man spot for Buchter, also cleared waivers and remained in the organization.

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