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TEMPE, Ariz. — Music was blaring and fans were yelling, but Ben Joyce tried to keep his focus. It was no ordinary bullpen session. The Angels took a page from football coaches, piping in noise as the Angels’ right-hander stood on the mound for a workout Sunday. They called it the “chaos” drill. “I enjoyed it,” Joyce said. “I think it was a beneficial thing to do to slow the game down and keep focus on what I need to do. I think it helped get my head where it needs to be, to fine-tune my mechanics and still have a game situation going on around me.” A couple days later, Joyce pitched a perfect inning against the Dodgers. After walking the bases loaded and giving up a grand slam in his first outing this spring, Joyce has gotten better in each of his two subsequent outings. Joyce, 23, who pitched 10 innings in the majors in his debut season last year, represents a wide range of potential outcomes for the Angels. He has famously thrown as hard as 105 mph, in college, and he reached 103 mph in the majors, comfortably sitting at 100-102 mph. The radar gun shows the upside, but there are still issues. “It’s no good if you can’t throw it over the plate,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. Joyce, who walked nine and hit a batter in his brief big-league opportunity, couldn’t find the strike zone in his first outing this spring. He walked two more in his second inning. Before Joyce’s third outing, pitching coach Barry Enright hatched an idea to help Joyce work on remaining under control in a game situation. The Angels had Joyce throw his bullpen session from the mound in the middle of the diamond on the half field, instead of in the bullpen. They blared loud music and implored a handful of fans who were watching the workout to make as much noise as possible. The Angels added to the realism of the situation by giving him game situations to simulate, including pickoff throws. Joyce said he doesn’t feel nervous in games, but he does get “amped up,” which causes him to speed up. That leads to a deterioration of his mechanics. “Being able to keep the heart rate down and stay focused on one pitch at a time, execute that pitch and move on to the next one, it was really good to practice that,” Joyce said. The lesson followed a winter in which Joyce spent much of his time at a training facility in Atlanta with high-speed cameras for refining mechanics. “It was interesting to see what I’m doing well and what I can work on,” Joyce said. He said he changed his “arm path, trying to be more efficient in my mechanics.” The idea now is to “think about smooth rather than just trying to throw as hard as I can every time. If I stay smooth, that leads to being able to be more under control.” Joyce said the velocity will still be there, but with better control. If he can harness his stuff, Joyce could be a dominant late-inning reliever. As of now, he’s competing for a spot in the Angels bullpen. His chances may have improved with the decision to have right-hander José Soriano work as a starter. RENDON UPDATE Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who has been sidelined with groin tightness this week, said Thursday that he’s feeling better. He was set to go through a full workout for the second straight day, this time including live batting practice. “It was more just soreness,” said Rendon, who hasn’t played since Sunday, when he felt something during his second at-bat. “We’re trying to prevent something getting bigger, especially so early in camp.” Washington said he plans to be conservative with Rendon, giving him one more day off after he says that he’s ready to play. “With his fragility, we just want to make certain that everything is well,” Washington said. “It’s nothing too wrong to be concerned about. When you come and say my groin is tight, all it takes is another sudden move and now it’s a pulled groin instead of a tight groin. Where he is now, we can loosen it up. But if he pulled it, we can’t loosen it. So you’ve got to be cautious.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Mike Trout hits a grand slam but Angels lose a pair of games Los Angeles Angels | Angels shortstop Zach Neto soaking up lessons this spring Los Angeles Angels | Angels pitchers off to encouraging start in Cactus League Los Angeles Angels | Angels run winning streak to 6 games, beating Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel impresses new manager Ron Washington LESSON LEARNED Umpires this year are more strictly enforcing a rule that prohibits infielders from blocking a base. Infielder Luis Rengifo got a hard lesson about the new interpretation when he was called for obstruction trying to tag a runner coming back into third during Wednesday’s game. The runner was awarded home. Washington said they have been working with the infielders to prevent obstruction calls. “We put in a lot of time, but sometimes the game creates things and then it’s the umpire’s discretion,” Washington said. “Rengifo didn’t know that he had done that. He was just trying to play ball. As we go along, we’ll start being more aware of that. That doesn’t mean sometimes you won’t do it.” View the full article

THE GAMES: Although Mike Trout hit a grand slam, the Angels still lost, 12-5, to the Oakland A’s in a split-squad game on Wednesday afternoon in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels also lost, 6-5, to the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: In Mesa, left-hander Reid Detmers gave up one run in three innings, striking out six. Detmers struck out three in the second inning, limiting the damage to one run in an inning that the Cubs loaded the bases on two hits and a hit batter. “I wasn’t trying to do too much,” Detmers said of his escape. “I was just trying to go one pitch at a time, which is what I need to prepare for the season.” Detmers came back to strike out the side in order in the third. “It felt really good,” Detmers said. “The pitches felt good and I’m happy that there were no walks.” … Left-hander Kenny Rosenberg gave up four runs in 2⅓ innings. … Right-hander Jimmy Herget gave up the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning. … Right-hander Hans Crouse finished the fifth inning, recording one out. It was the first appearance of the spring for Crouse, who is up from minor league camp. A Dana Hills High product, Crouse is a former second-round draft pick and top 100 prospect. He had been with the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies. … In Tempe, left-hander Patrick Sandoval gave up a three-run homer in the first and was pulled after two outs because of his pitch count. Using the spring training re-entry rule, Sandoval returned to the mound and pitched two scoreless innings, retiring all six hitters. He then returned to the mound for the fourth, allowing a homer and a single before ending his day. … Right-hander Carlos Estévez gave up two runs, one earned, in one inning. HITTING REPORT: In Tempe, Trout hit his first homer of the spring, a grand slam. Trout had a single and a double on Tuesday night, when he said he felt better at the plate than he had this spring. … In Mesa, Jo Adell hit his first homer of the spring, a shot down the left field line. He also doubled. Adell then stole third, taking off without pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. even throwing a pitch. Adell was then able to score the tying run on a subsequent error. … Jake Marisnick hit his first homer of the spring and also had a bunt single. … Kyren Paris also reached on a bunt single, and Mickey Moniak attempted to bunt for a hit, but he was thrown out. … Luis Rengifo, who had been out with a hamstring issue, played his first game of the spring, striking out and grounding out. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels shortstop Zach Neto soaking up lessons this spring Los Angeles Angels | Angels pitchers off to encouraging start in Cactus League Los Angeles Angels | Angels run winning streak to 6 games, beating Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel impresses new manager Ron Washington Los Angeles Angels | Tyler Anderson sharp as Angels beat Rangers for 5th straight win DEFENSE REPORT: In Mesa, Marisnick robbed Seiya Suzuki of at least an extra-base hit by making a leaping catch at the left field fence in the first inning. … Rengifo was called for obstruction when he was trying to tag Christoper Morel, who was going back to third base on a ground ball to the pitcher. Morel was awarded home. Umpires this year are more strictly enforcing rules that prohibit infielders from blocking the base. UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Griffin Canning) at Mariners (RHP Bryan Woo) at Peoria Sports Complex, Thursday, 12:10 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM View the full article

TEMPE Ariz. – The Angels’ version of the Breakfast Club rises before dawn and takes the half field behind the batting cages not long after the sun rises. Angels shortstop Zach Neto is there to work on his defense, not taking for granted the skill that wowed observers in his standout rookie season of 2023. On hand to provide early-morning instruction is none other than new manager Ron Washington. A longtime coach and manager, Washington played the majority of his 10 major league seasons as a middle infielder, mostly at shortstop. Infield play is Washington’s passion and he immediately has become passionate about Neto. “Oh, there is a ton to like. Not a lot, a ton,” Washington said of his 23-year-old shortstop. On a quiet recent morning, with only the sound of great-tailed grackle squawking in the background, Washington conducted a backhand fielding drill. The middle infielders took their positions, with Washington a mere 25-30 feet away holding a bat near a bucket of baseballs. Washington drilled short hops to the backhand side, leaving little time to react. “I showed (Neto) some stuff out there on the backhand side and he just took to it,” Washington said. “It looked a little shaky in the beginning but then, all of a sudden, he got a feel for it. Now, it looks like something he’s always been able to do. “He has that acumen. You can see he comes from a good (college) program. You give him something and he’s able to apply (it).” Neto is open to any and all instruction from Washington. “He has a lot of wisdom, a lot of knowledge about this game, a lot of years in this game,” Neto said. “A young guy like me, being able to learn something new from him, it’s like candy for a kid at Halloween.” A star shortstop at Campbell, south of the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, Neto was selected by the Angels as the 13th overall draft pick in 2022. Less than a year after he was drafted and attended his final college class, Neto was in the major leagues when he made his debut April 15 last season. In short order, he erased any doubt that a player from the Big South Conference could make an immediate impact. The defense transferred right away, with the offense already showing improvement this spring. Another area Neto hopes to improve is with an ability to stay on the field. The grind of a major league season took its toll with Neto missing time with oblique and lower back injuries. He played just over half of the Angels games last season but his impact was evident in the team’s 43-41 record when he was on the field and 30-48 mark when he was not. “Going into the offseason, it was something I needed to work on, getting my body right,” Neto said. “I looked at it as a restart button for me. New (coaching) staff, new everything, new year for me coming up. Coming into spring training, it was head down, nice and easy, no more (first-season) pressure or anything like that.” Neto said he did core work to help avoid soft tissue injuries in and around his torso. A byproduct of that work seems to be an uptick in power, at least from early Cactus League results. Neto clobbered a towering home run approximately 450 feet to straightaway center field last week against the Cleveland Guardians. He smashed another to left field Monday against the Texas Rangers. On offense last season, Neto batted .225 with a .685 OPS that was 26th among shortstops who played at least 80 games. In his final season at Campbell, he had a .407 batting average with a 1.283 OPS in 53 games. Through Tuesday’s Cactus League games, Neto was batting .333 (7-for-21) with 16 total bases and a 1.110 OPS. He had two stolen bases, both Tuesday in a 4-0 victory over the Dodgers, along with a hit, a run scored and a leaping catch on a line drive. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels pitchers off to encouraging start in Cactus League Los Angeles Angels | Angels run winning streak to 6 games, beating Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel impresses new manager Ron Washington Los Angeles Angels | Tyler Anderson sharp as Angels beat Rangers for 5th straight win Los Angeles Angels | Albert Pujols returns to Angels camp looking for ways to give back to the game While Neto might be young, with a small sample size to judge his offense as a major leaguer, he has seen enough to feel confident about the player he can become in short order. That all-glove-no-stick tag that surfaced last season? Neto said he heard it and is up for the challenge. “Oh yeah, it’s gonna be fun proving people wrong,” Neto said. “That’s what I’ve always been about my whole life. So here, at the biggest stage, if there are people still doubting, it just keeps creating that underdog mentality and chip on my shoulder to keep proving people wrong. “I just gotta keep trusting myself, having that confidence and going out there and having fun.” View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. — Spring training is, in many ways, meaningless. But for the Angels, this much is true: it’s better to pitch well in meaningless games than to pitch poorly in meaningless games. After their first 12 games of the spring, the Angels are leading the Cactus League with a 3.23 ERA. The two teams with lower ERA’s, the Washington Nationals and New York Mets, both play in the more pitcher-friendly environment in Florida. “That means that they are progressing,” manager Ron Washington said before Wednesday’s split squad games. “I don’t think you can put any more on it. They are progressing. The best ERA in the Cactus League is a big deal. You’ve got to start somewhere.” In the lockout-shortened spring training in 2022, the Angels had the second best Cactus League ERA. Although the Angels finished that season with 73 victories, the hitting was their primary problem. They finished the season with the ninth best ERA in the majors. The deeper number that might be the most encouraging is that the Angels have issued 2.63 walks per nine innings, which is the best ratio in the majors, in the Cactus League or Grapefruit League. Washington said that’s a credit to new pitching coach Barry Enright and bullpen coach Steve Karsay. “They deserve a pat on the back for the way they have taken this young pitching staff and got it believing that they can throw the ball over the plate with their stuff, instead of trying to run away from being touched with with a bat,” Washington said. “We’re going right at them.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels run winning streak to 6 games, beating Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel impresses new manager Ron Washington Los Angeles Angels | Tyler Anderson sharp as Angels beat Rangers for 5th straight win Los Angeles Angels | Albert Pujols returns to Angels camp looking for ways to give back to the game Los Angeles Angels | Angels top White Sox, powered by Moniak home run NOTES Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday, and he’s scheduled for another in a few days. Although Stephenson had suggested that he might not have time to get in enough games to be ready by opening day, Washington pointed out that he’s started other seasons with fewer than six innings in the spring, and the Angels could still have time to get him that four or five this spring. … Third baseman Anthony Rendon (groin) was scheduled to go through a workout, including batting practice, on Wednesday morning. View the full article

THE GAME: The Angels beat the Dodgers, 4-0, on Tuesday night at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., winning their sixth consecutive Cactus League game. PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander Chase Silseth did not allow a run in 2⅓ innings. He had been scheduled for three innings, but his pitch count got too high after 26 pitches in the first. Silseth struck out Shohei Ohtani on a 96 mph fastball after falling behind in the count, 3-and-1. “It was fun,” Silseth said. “I got behind him. So I was like, Oh, no. … If I didn’t hit my spots when I needed to, and during that at-bat, it could have been a lot different.” The discouraging part of Silseth’s outing was that his fastball velocity dipped from 97 mph in the first to 93 mph in the third. “That’s a little frustrating,” he said. “I put a lot of work into that stuff. You can’t get down on yourself. You’ve got to keep working and finding it.” … Left-hander Tyler Thomas followed Silseth to the mound, entering just as Ohtani was coming to the plate again in the third inning. Thomas struck him out looking at a 94 mph fastball. The Angels acquired Thomas from the Atlanta Braves as part of the David Fletcher-Max Stassi trade. … Right-hander Ben Joyce pitched a perfect inning. … Right-hander Guillo Zuñiga worked a scoreless inning, including getting Ohtani on a flyout. Zuñiga has not allowed a run in four innings this spring, with six strikeouts and no walks. … Right-hander Victor Mederos worked three scoreless innings. He hasn’t allowed a run in six innings this spring, with nine strikeouts and two walks. HITTING REPORT: Mike Trout singled and walked. He also stole his first base of the spring. Trout is 3 for 18 with eight strikeouts and one walk this spring. “It’s slowly getting there,” Trout said. “Today’s the best I’ve felt in a while. Just seeing the ball and being myself up there. When I’m recognizing pitches early, I think that’s when I know I’m getting close. When I can recognize my zone, the hits and stuff and production will come.” … Nolan Schanuel tripled, driving in two runs. … Miguel Sanó drove in a run with a single. Sanó, who is trying to make the team as a non-roster invite, is 2 for 17 this spring. … Jo Adell drove in a run with a double. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel impresses new manager Ron Washington Los Angeles Angels | Tyler Anderson sharp as Angels beat Rangers for 5th straight win Los Angeles Angels | Albert Pujols returns to Angels camp looking for ways to give back to the game Los Angeles Angels | Angels top White Sox, powered by Moniak home run Los Angeles Angels | Angels like early results from rookie pitcher Caden Dana DEFENSE REPORT: Silseth bounced a pickoff throw to first base and the ball got past Schanuel, allowing Mookie Betts to advance to second. … Shortstop Zach Neto made a leaping catch of a line drive to end the second inning. UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Patrick Sandoval) vs. A’s (RHP Joe Boyle) at Tempe Diablo Stadium, Wednesday, 12:10 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM; Angels (LHP Reid Detmers) at Cubs (LHP Justin Steele) at Sloane Park, Mesa, Wednesday: 12:05 p.m. PT. No TV or radio. View the full article

Good stuff, @ryanmfalla!!

By Ryan Falla, AngelsWin.com Columnist Though the Angels are heading into the 2024 season with the most question marks we’ve seen in modern Angels memory there is enough sneaky value across the board to offer outside chances at success all throughout the year. From front-line starters ready to tap into their highest upside behind the philosophies of Ron Washington's coaching staff to the reserves prepared carry the team through tumultuous stretches. The Angels may not be rich in brand names this season, but what they do have is enough young talent across the roster to brute force their contention window into an early opening. One such athlete on the Angels who looks to legitimize fans hopes for a successful 2024 is reserve starter Kenny Rosenberg, who pitched himself into legitimate Major League considerations after a stretch of strong spot starts to round out 2023. His stint of late season success places him first in line for the roster spots up for grabs this spring, and while there is more competition for the final reserve spots than last year the mission remains the same for the rising star. Armed with a quality repertoire that features sneaky good off-speed offerings, Rosenberg stands ready to absorb Major League innings for a team whose recent track record makes arms such as his a golden commodity. “In my early minor league experiences I played against guys like Bo Bichette, Vladdy Jr. and Fernando Tatis, I've gotten guys like that out in the minor leagues. Just because you're playing in a bigger stadium with more people doesn't change anything for me. I’m just simplifying my game to that. If I make good pitches I'll have good results.” Rosenberg displays a visible exceptionalism with the off-speed, which is no surprise after learning he expressed an affinity for the change-up while still in his childhood years. His innate feel for the secondary generates major league whiffs at a solid pace as hitters consistently struggle to groove the ball across the entirety of the zone. Rosenberg minimized power strokes to such a degree that sluggers were mostly kept in check as they managed a below league average 30.4 hard hit percentage against his stuff. Although he was generally an off-speed featured pitcher in 2023 his underlying peripherals have shown an above-average cutter and slider waiting to be tapped into. The 38 inch drop on his cutter sits 9 inches above the league average break and similarly the movement on his slider is well above average as it cuts at 11 inches while dropping 48 inches (league average at 6in. cut, 37in. drop). Despite having a break nearly twice as big as league average his slider was his least thrown pitch in 2023 as he threw it just seven times across the total 543 pitches thrown that season. A greater emphasis on the pitch should see even more success come his way next year considering how far he went relying mostly on his fastball/change-up (FB:43.1%/CH:37.6%). Mixing more of his strong cutter into the fastball use should see his swing and miss trends continue to blossom into notable form. “The change-up has been a pitch that I've thrown since I was eight years old. There are days where I'm more confident throwing change-ups for strikes than fastballs. The way I change speeds can keep hitters honest no matter what the count is; whether I'm behind, ahead, even, counts full, or first pitch of the at-bat. I don't think they can narrow in on a particular pitch or location. Execution in those counts and being unpredictable are the two biggest things for me.” Rosenberg's mechanically sound, consistent delivery and generally above average repertoire inspires a palpable optimism that he can contribute quality big league innings with the support of Ron Washington's elite coaching staff. A team wide focus on developing quick counts on the pitching side and delivering the defense playable outs has been a centerpiece in camp this spring under Washington and should prove to be the difference maker on the Angels hopes for improved pitching in 2024. Too often did it feel that the 2023 Angels put the entirety of the onus on their pitchers as they consistently forced themselves into deep counts trying to wrangle outs at the plate. Kenny Rosenberg’s inherent skillset is a stellar match-up with the new staff’s philosophy as he habitually serves his fielders weak contact on swing and miss stuff. Attacking the zone and trusting hitters to beat themselves on his secondary offerings will be the biggest key for Rosenberg as he pitches himself into a full-time role as a quality serviceman on the big league roster. His 2024 ZiPS projections see him logging 111 IP with 7 wins and 104 Ks over 47 BBs which is fairly in line with his expected averages based on last seasons output, though a portion of those IP will be determined by the health of the Angels starting front-five. However, given the stresses of a 162 game season it is expected Rosenberg will get his fair share of big league work through the year. “I’ve really enjoyed the couple of weeks that I've been able to work with Barry [Enright] in person. We had some conversations in the off season about some things I could chase, whether it's gaining velocity or just moving down the mound better and being more consistent with the strike zone. The big emphasis has been taking care of the baseball defensively and making sure we give our fielders an opportunity to get guys out behind us.” Rosenberg projects as a loopy Joe Saunders/Jamie Moyer type with strong off-speed combos working alongside a fastball that offers best as an execution/mix-up pitch behind his cutter. Some of his best pitches, shape wise, were some of his least thrown in 2024, leaving plenty of opportunity for coaching to tap deeper into his upside this season. Rosenberg has already proven his ability to execute on the mound as he managed two wins in three starts last year with his final start of 2023 coming as a 5 IP 6 K no-decision in which he allowed just one hit. Of his two losses as a Major Leaguer only one came as a starter, and in that loss Rosenberg tossed a Quality Start across 6 innings. Having someone who can put your team in line for the W off reserve is powerful asset across a long 162 game season, especially when the value and consistency from your starting front five remains unpredictable. Despite what pundits might try to tell you there is more than enough quality of youth to inspire optimism in Ron Washington's ability to push this team towards competitive baseball. A push for the playoffs often relies on the strength of your second half heroes as much as it does your day one All-Stars, and though Rosenberg's second half heroics in 2023 went uncelebrated 2024 may shape up to be the year we see deserved fanfare for both Rosenberg and the Angels as they brute force their way into relevancy under the mysticism of Ron Washington. View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. — In the first inning of a Cactus League game last week, Nolan Schanuel stepped to the plate after Taylor Ward had led off the inning with a double. Schanuel pulled a ground ball to second base, and Ward took third. Ward then scored on a Mike Trout sacrifice fly. A day later, Angels manager Ron Washington was beaming, optimistic that the Angels’ rookie first baseman could play a key role in generating runs. “He’s capable of doing that with consistency, and he might be able to do it with perfection,” Washington said. “Because of his bat-to-ball skill, I think that boy can pull the ball on the ground anytime he wants to.” Schanuel made a name for himself last year by reaching the majors less than two months after he was drafted out of Florida Atlantic University. He then reached base with a hit or a walk in every one of the 29 games he played, giving him a .402 on-base percentage. He drew 20 walks, while striking out 19 times. The major league average is 2.6 strikeouts per walk. Schanuel’s plate discipline was so advanced that a case could have been made for him to begin the 2024 season in the same leadoff spot where he hit in 2023. Washington, who is heading into his first season with the team, initially planned for that, but he quickly determined that dropping Schanuel into the No. 2 spot made more sense, because he could still get on base, but also use his situational hitting skills to move runners over or get them in. “I love that,” Washington said of Schanuel’s groundout. “To me, that’s a base hit, because he put us in a position to score a run with Mike Trout coming up.” Washington estimated that, over a full season, Schanuel is going to have 70 or 80 plate appearances in which the game situation for call for something like that. “His other 500 or so, he can do what the hell he wants,” Washington said. Those plate appearances will largely determine how the rest of baseball is going to measure Schanuel’s offensive performance. Over just 132 plate appearances in 2023, Schanuel hit .275 with one homer and a .732 OPS. The lingering question over Schanuel’s performance is whether he will develop the type of power expected from a corner infielder. His average exit velocity (85.4 mph) and hard hit percentage (25.6) were both toward the bottom in the majors. Neither Schanuel nor the Angels have any concerns about that now, given how little experience he has. “Power develops when you learn more about what you’re doing and you learn the element in which you’re doing it,” Washington said. “How much does he know about the American League? Very little. His power will grow. He will learn to use his power. In the meantime, I want him to learn how to play baseball.” Schanuel, 22, hit 18 homers with an .868 slugging percentage in his junior year in college. “It’s going to come,” Schanuel said of the power. “I’m a hitter. So I just go out there and just try to do the job. My job is to put runs on the board, whether it’s hitting guys in or scoring.” Schanuel, who is just halfway through his first professional spring training, is still going through a crash course in learning about hitting and playing defense as a big-leaguer. “I’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said. “I need to improve. I think every day I come here there’s something that I’m working on.” A part of that process began over the winter, when he worked out in Florida with St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a former MVP. Angels catching coach Jerry Narron, who knows Goldschmidt from their days with the Arizona Diamondbacks, arranged for the two to get together. “It was cool to work with him,” Schanuel said. “From fielding to baserunning to hitting, he does everything right. You couldn’t miss a beat with him. Every day I was learning something new.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Tyler Anderson sharp as Angels beat Rangers for 5th straight win Los Angeles Angels | Albert Pujols returns to Angels camp looking for ways to give back to the game Los Angeles Angels | Angels top White Sox, powered by Moniak home run Los Angeles Angels | Angels like early results from rookie pitcher Caden Dana Los Angeles Angels | Griffin Canning has another strong start as Angels top Diamondbacks Something else new that Schanuel did this winter was an unusual training method he devised. Two days a week over six weeks, Schanuel spent the entire day standing, to the point of agonizing pain his legs and feet. He said the goal was to better prepare him for the rigors of standing on a baseball field every day. His teammates and other team officials learned what he was doing after he told The Athletic early in spring training, and he said they responded to him with “mixed reviews.” Schanuel now says that he did it more as a test of his discipline than a strengthening exercise. “It might have helped,” Schanuel said. “You never know till you try it… I didn’t do it because I thought it was going to help me. I did it because I thought it was a challenge I wanted to complete. I wanted a competition for myself.” View the full article

THE GAME: Tyler Anderson had six strikeouts over three innings and Zach Neto hit a go-ahead two-run home run as the Angels increased their winning streak to five games with a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday in Surprise, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: Anderson gave up one run on a Marcus Semien home run, with results that were much improved over his first outing last week when he gave up two runs on four hits in two innings against the Colorado Rockies. Left-hander Jose Suarez pitched two scoreless innings in his first outing after a bout of arm fatigue early in spring after he participated in winter ball. Angels pitchers combined to strike out 13 batters. HITTING REPORT: Logan O’Hoppe stayed in a groove after a slow start this spring, collecting an RBI double in the first inning after hitting home runs Friday in a Cactus League game and Saturday in a “B” Game. Neto’s home run was his second of the spring after a mammoth shot to center field last week. The Angels won with just three hits. REUNION TIME: New Angels manager Ron Washington, who served as the Rangers’ manager from 2007-14, was back in his old stomping grounds and was met with a mob of local reporters. Although many of the faces have changed since he was last with the Rangers, he was looking forward to being in Surprise: “I’m always looking forward to catching up with folks in Texas. That was some of the best times in my life in Texas.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Albert Pujols returns to Angels camp looking for ways to give back to the game Los Angeles Angels | Angels top White Sox, powered by Moniak home run Los Angeles Angels | Angels like early results from rookie pitcher Caden Dana Los Angeles Angels | Griffin Canning has another strong start as Angels top Diamondbacks Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Jason Martin feeling ‘more calm, more confident’ UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Chase Silseth) at Dodgers (RHP Bobby Miller), Glendale, Ariz., Tuesday, 5:05 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. – After more than 700 career home runs, while topping $340 million in total earnings, Albert Pujols’ ride off into the sunset seemed inevitable. Last playing with the Angels in 2021 and retiring after the 2022 season, it seemed Pujols would merely resurface at the rare Angels or St. Louis Cardinals special ceremony. Certainly he would be there to give a speech at his Hall of Fame induction. Is there really any need to prove himself within the game anymore? Yet there was Pujols at Angels camp again Monday, ready to impart his wisdom on the next generation as a guest instructor. Getting his hands dirty with the young players of the game does not feel like a duty for one of the most legendary players of the game, it is his honor. “I think at the end of the day it’s about giving back and (enjoying) the experience,” said Pujols, with an Angels cap perched atop his head again. “Some of these young guys are the future. I’ll do whatever I can to help them out to get their game better or to have success in their career.” After Tim Salmon and Mark Gubicza have already spent time as guest instructors, Pujols will be joined by another Angels legend this week in Vladimir Guerrero. Pujols’ desire to help extends beyond the Angels’ organization. He also has been named a manager in the Dominican Republic winter league, when he takes over for his favorite team as a youngster: Los Leones del Escogido. So could a run as an MLB manager be in Pujols’ future? “Yeah, I think, why not?” Pujols said. “If the opportunity is right one day, I think I’d be ready for that. But right now, I’m going to focus on what I need to do, which is here for a week and then in the D.R., getting the team ready.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who had Pujols at his disposal for a large chunk of the 2021 season, is impressed. “AP is one of my favorites and it’s great for baseball,” Roberts said of Pujols’ decision to manage in the Dominican Republic. “For Albert, when you have somebody who is as knowledgeable and as decorated as him, who wants to give back to players when he doesn’t have to, it’s important. “… And if he chooses, I hope he gets the opportunity to manage (an MLB team).” Angels star Mike Trout is equally as impressed with his former teammate’s desire to actively remain in the game. “He loves the game and you obviously saw that when he played,” Trout said Monday. “And now, what he’s learned over the course of 20 years, something like that, he’s willing to put that back into play. He’s seen everything. I’m sure he’d be a great manager and that’s awesome.” Trout admits that his dedicated work ethic, and lead-by-example style, was partly inspired by playing alongside Pujols for so many years. “Albert wasn’t a real vocal leader, but when he needed to, he came out,” Trout said. “When you see Albert come to the ballpark every day, he had a routine and never skipped a day. He was grinding every single day. He always got his work done. I saw that, the dedication, the work and obviously the numbers showed that on the field.” Both players also know the routine of having to work through injuries later in their careers. Pujols empathizes with what Trout is going through, having played 82 games or less in three of the past four seasons. “It sucks man; injuries suck,” Pujols said. “Mentally it helped me out knowing it’s just part of the game. You need to look at how you’re going to deal (with it). Are you gonna let it affect you, or are you going to continue to train and get ready? “I’ve seen Trout training. There is nobody that trains harder than him in the locker room. But when you take that field, there’s some things you cannot control.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels top White Sox, powered by Moniak home run Los Angeles Angels | Angels like early results from rookie pitcher Caden Dana Los Angeles Angels | Griffin Canning has another strong start as Angels top Diamondbacks Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Jason Martin feeling ‘more calm, more confident’ Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Reid Detmers confident he will fulfill his potential After more than 3,000 career games, Pujols has seen the ultimate highs and lowest of the lows. He simply feels it would be a shame not to help others deal with those. “I wouldn’t be wearing this uniform if I didn’t think I had a lot of things to offer the game,” Pujols said. “My job is to help these guys. I won’t go out there and hit for them, but just let them know how to handle the mental part of the game or the physical part of the game. I’ve done everything.” ALSO Right-hander Sam Bachman (shoulder surgery) and left-hander Jose Quijada (elbow surgery) had throwing sessions of 75-90 feet and 120 feet, respectively. … Infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) has resumed baseball activity, while infielder Michael Stefanic (quad) is doing light activity. … Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder soreness) had a long-toss session. View the full article

THE GAME: Mickey Moniak hit a two-run home run and six Angels pitchers gave up a combined four hits in a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday at Tempe, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: RHP Caden Dana was impressive in his first start and second spring appearance, giving up one hit over two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. The 20-year-old now has four scoreless innings this spring. RHP Carlos Estevez gave up a home run to Chicago’s Zach Remillard in the third inning. RHPs Zach Plesac and Walbert Urena each went two scoreless innings with a combined five strikeouts. Plesac earned the win and Urena got the save. HITTING REPORT: Aaron Hicks had two hits out of the leadoff spot, including a double and a run scored in the first inning. … Moniak replaced Hicks and hit his home run, giving the Angels three hits out of the top spot in the order. … Mike Trout went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and is now 2-for-16 (.125) in seven spring games. … Anthony Rendon went 0-for-1 with a walk and is now 2-for-10 (.200) with four walks in six games. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels like early results from rookie pitcher Caden Dana Los Angeles Angels | Griffin Canning has another strong start as Angels top Diamondbacks Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Jason Martin feeling ‘more calm, more confident’ Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Reid Detmers confident he will fulfill his potential Los Angeles Angels | Willie Calhoun has homer among his 3 hits as Angels rally past Padres WEEKEND VIBES: Angels pitchers gave up one combined earned run over back-to-back victories, getting the best of the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 on Saturday before Sunday’s 3-1 win. “I tell you, we have been throwing the ball well all spring and they are buying into the fact of pounding the strike zone and being very efficient with their pitches,” manager Ron Washington said. UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson) vs. Rangers (LHP Cody Bradford), 12:05 p.m., Bally Sports West, AM-830 View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. – Baseball’s latest Thor clone continues to drop the hammer, raising questions about just how long it might be before he can find himself on a major league roster. With his broad shoulders and long hair flowing from under his cap, Angels right-hander Caden Dana gave up one hit over two scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday and had two strikeouts in his second appearance of the spring. The outing came with Dana wearing the No. 91 on the back of his jersey. If he continues to produce similar outings, a lighter weight digit could be on the way. “It’s just going out and pitching. It’s the same game whether it’s (minor league) ball or here,” Dana said. “They’re giving me the ball and trusting me with it so I’m going to go out there and give it all I’ve got.” While Dana represents the future for the Angels, he was just closing out his teenage years in early December. Barely 20, it stands to reason that the former 11th round draft pick in 2022 still needs some seasoning before his time arrives. But this is the Angels, who brought first baseman Nolan Schanuel to the major leagues last year less than three months after his final game in college at Florida Atlantic. Shortstop Zach Neto was a major leaguer less than a year after his final college game at Campbell. “I try not to think too much. Just (take it) day by day,” Dana said. “But they’re great ballplayers and they deserve to be up there.” The difference is that Dana was drafted out of Don Bosco Prep High School in New Jersey and has never pitched above the High-A level. But new Angels manager Ron Washington isn’t as much concerned with track record as he is with results. “I think what is realistic is him and where he is (in his development) when we have a need and if the organization thinks he’s the one,” Washington said. “One thing about this organization, if they have proven it, age and your experience doesn’t matter. If you’re able to get outs is what matters.” Dana’s first spring start Sunday came after a scoreless two-inning relief appearance last Tuesday when he gave up one hit with a strikeout against the Milwaukee Brewers. “Every time you step on the field you’re representing your name,” Dana said. “Honestly, in a big-stage moment like that, just trying to focus on one pitch at a time. If I get away from that then I’ll have a bad outing. Just stay locked in pitch by pitch.” RUNNING MEN A day after Chad Wallach legged out a double and scored from second base on an error, Washington was still talking about his catcher’s scamper around the bases. “If Wallach can take an extra base, anybody on this team can take an extra base, but you have to want to and he wanted to,” Washington said with a smile Sunday, both proud of Wallach’s aggressiveness and the example he set. Washington isn’t looking for wild risk taking, but rather calculated gambles that assist run production. The thinking isn’t too unlike the first-to-third Angels days under former manager Mike Scioscia. “We’re just trying to push the envelope, seeing who can, who can’t, who wants to and see who does not want to,” Washington said. And as if on cue, Angels leadoff hitter Aaron Hicks doubled in the first inning and scored on a Schanuel single, testing the arm of White Sox center fielder Rafael Ortega. ALSO LHP Jose Suarez, whose schedule has been lagging behind because of a bout with arm fatigue, is set to make his first Cactus League appearance Monday against the Texas Rangers in relief. … Albert Pujols, now a special assistant to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, is expected in camp Monday to spend some time as a spring instructor. Pujols is also a new MLB Network analyst and will be a manager in the Dominican Republic winter league next season for Los Leones del Escogido. … LHP Tyler Anderson makes his second start of the spring Monday against the Rangers as he tries to recover from an outing Wednesday when he gave up two earned runs and four hits in two innings against the Colorado Rockies. View the full article

THE GAME: Aaron Hicks hit a home run and six pitchers combined to not allow an earned run as the Angels rallied for a 4-1 victory Saturday over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks at Tempe, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: Griffin Canning gave up an unearned run over three innings with three strikeouts and has not given up an earned run in two spring starts. Canning threw 35 pitches in the game and 10 more in the bullpen afterward. After Andrew Wantz gave up two hits over 2 1/3 scoreless innings, Hunter Strickland, Guillo Zuniga, Luis Garcia, and Jose Cisnero gave up one combined hit over the final 3 2/3 innings. HITTING REPORT: Hicks, expected to make the roster as a backup outfielder, hit a home run among his two hits, his first homer of the spring. Chad Wallach also had two hits with a double and a run scored. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Reid Detmers confident he will fulfill his potential Los Angeles Angels | Willie Calhoun has homer among his 3 hits as Angels rally past Padres Los Angeles Angels | Patrick Sandoval leads Angels’ pitchers in victory over Guardians Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mickey Moniak looks to build on breakthrough season Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ hitters go quietly in Cactus League loss to Rockies WALLACH’S WILD RIDE: Not exactly fleet of foot, Wallach appeared to deliver a seventh-inning single but it went for double thanks to an odd bounce. He scored from second base on a grounder to shortstop that was booted into shallow center field for an error. It gave the Angels their first lead of the game at 2-1. UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Caden Dana) vs. White Sox (RHP Erick Fedde), 12:10 p.m. Sunday, Bally Sports West, AM-830 View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. — Being a half a world away at this time one year ago taught Jason Martin the perspective that has served him well so far in Angels camp. Signed to a minor-league contract this offseason after playing in South Korea last year, the Corona native and Orange Lutheran High alum is back in the familiar position of trying to prove himself at spring training. “Definitely going into last season, I had a lot of doubts. I kind of felt I was going into the unknown,” Martin said of his time in South Korea. “But once I got there and realized it was the same game and I was able to do my thing over in a different country, I think without even knowing it, it helped me in different ways coming back here. I feel a lot more calm on the field, a lot more confident.” At 28, the former eighth-round draft pick in 2013 by the Houston Astros still is in search of a regular chance to show what he can do at the major-league level. He has 85 games of major-league experience, seeing 58 games of action with the Texas Rangers in 2021. But 2022 was spent entirely at Triple-A Oklahoma City in the Dodgers’ organization. And while he never was called up to Los Angeles that season, he made the most of his time by tapping into his power potential. Martin hit a career-best 32 home runs at OKC with 107 RBIs in 129 games. His .938 OPS also was a career best. But when opportunities for 2023 looked like more of the same, Martin took a leap and moved to South Korea’s KBO, playing last year for the NC Dinos. Martin hit 17 home runs in South Korea and had 90 RBIs. He had 20 doubles with a .360 on-base percentage and reignited his running game with 15 stolen bases, his most for a single team in one season since he had 20 at Single-A Lancaster in 2016. There are no guarantees with the Angels, of course. Outfield spots are tight with Mike Trout, Mickey Moniak, Taylor Ward, Jo Adell and Aaron Hicks likely to land a spot. Those vying for attention to join the group at some point include Martin, Jordyn Adams, Jake Marisnick and Willie Calhoun. Martin knows the prove-yourself routine well, which means he also is aware that by fretting over where he fits in won’t help at all. The only thing he can do is to show his worth. In five games this spring, he has four hits in nine at-bats, with a home run, double and four RBIs. “It shows that he has some experience with the way he goes about his business and the way he plays,” said Angels manager Ron Washington, using the word “impressive” to describe Martin’s spring so far. At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, Martin certainly does not cut an imposing figure. He tried to lean into his speed as a younger player, but outfield spots require power so Martin has gone to great lengths in order to oblige. “Growing up was more kind of working with what I had body-wise, getting into profiles a lot smaller, a lot skinnier and not really knowing how to use my body the right way,” Martin said. “I’d say the past few years I really locked it in on how my swing should look, how I should feel and what is able to generate power. I think that has been showing the past couple of years.” B-MOVIE Coming off his first home run of the spring Friday, catcher Logan O’Hoppe participated in a B Game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Scottsdale, where he was able to bat every inning and hit another homer in six trips to the plate. “I thought he had some great at-bats (Friday) and I didn’t want him to stop,” Washington said. “We don’t want to continue to put him behind the plate every day, but we got an opportunity to get him as many at-bats as he wanted. “He’s young and he’s used to thumping. And when he’s not thumping, it can get into his head. The more at-bats we can get him to feel good about himself, the better off we’re going to be.” Right-hander Jose Soriano, who pitched in 38 games as a reliever last season, got the start in the B Game and allowed one hit over three innings with five strikeouts. OPEN PROCESS The Angels are on the hunt for an Opening Day starter after Shohei Ohtani held the role the past two seasons, with Washington saying he will be patient before awarding the honor. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Reid Detmers confident he will fulfill his potential Los Angeles Angels | Willie Calhoun has homer among his 3 hits as Angels rally past Padres Los Angeles Angels | Patrick Sandoval leads Angels’ pitchers in victory over Guardians Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mickey Moniak looks to build on breakthrough season Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ hitters go quietly in Cactus League loss to Rockies “I think we’ll do that when we get down the stretch,” Washington said. “Right now, we have too many moving parts. “We have an idea of what we have and know how we want to line them up, but let’s wait until we get close enough and know that everybody is where they need to be health-wise and mentally-wise and then we’ll do what we have to do with that.” The Angels open the season March 28 on the road against the Baltimore Orioles and will play their home opener April 5 against the Boston Red Sox. View the full article

PEORIA, Ariz. — Reid Detmers’ spring training debut on Friday was not unlike his 2023 season with some misplaced pitches to go along with a bit of bad luck before ending on a flourish. The left-hander faced the San Diego Padres on Friday and struggled with his command, allowing four walks. He gave up two hits, one on a bunt he fielded then had nowhere to throw since first baseman Brian Dozier also was pursuing the ball. He was nearly out of a jam in the second with two runners aboard before allowing an RBI double to deep center field by Tim Locastro. The end of his 1⅔-inning outing was something to build on, though, when he struck out Fernando Tatis Jr. on three pitches, all of them called strikes. “It wasn’t the best outing obviously; it was definitely a command issue,” Detmers said. “But first-game jitters. Just kind of wipe it out of your head and move on the next. I’m not too worried about it.” Detmers had a rocky ride last season with a 4-10 record over 28 starts and a 4.48 ERA. But he fashioned a 1.82 ERA over his last four outings of the season, all in September. He went into the offseason after a strong seven-inning outing against the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers on Sept. 26 by giving up one run and four hits over seven innings. It left him with his first win in six starts, with two second-half wins against the Rangers. When Detmers is in stride, he has shown he has the potential to be a top pitcher. The 24-year-old is confident he is on his way to reaching that potential. “I feel like I’m the same person, that same guy,” Detmers said. “I mean, it’s one start. One start at the very beginning of spring training. … I just kind of had a lot of adrenaline and was ready to get after it there. I’ll come back next week fine.” Even as a coach with the Atlanta Braves, new Angels manager Ron Washington said he is plenty familiar with Detmers’ potential. He expects big things from his lefty. “I’ve always been impressed with him, even last year when he wasn’t doing well,” Washington said. “You can look at him and see he has potential. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard you work. If it’s meant that you are going to have a bad year, you’re going to have a bad year. “… You have to find out why it didn’t happen because something made it not happen and then don’t let that set in again. And I think that’s where he is.” OPPORTUNITY EARNED Add right-hander Jose Soriano to the list of potential Angels starters this season. Already listed as the starter for Saturday’s home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the honor is not necessarily a stop-gap measure for the reliever, nor is it merely a chance to see how he can handle an “opener” role. Washington said Soriano will get the chance to go three innings against the National League champions. If he can show he’s comfortable in the role, his innings will continue to be extended. “Because of the stuff he has and how strong he is, he’s going to get a chance to start and see where it goes,” Washington said Friday. The 24-year-old Soriano made his major league debut with the Angels on June 3 and went 1-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 38 relief outings. He had 56 strikeouts over 42 innings. In the Angels’ organization since 2016, when he was 17, Soriano has been used as a starter throughout most of his time as a minor leaguer. He made 65 starts as a member of the Angels’ organization and two starts in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ system in 2021. He has worked through two Tommy John surgeries during that time, missing the entire 2020 season. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Patrick Sandoval leads Angels’ pitchers in victory over Guardians Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mickey Moniak looks to build on breakthrough season Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ hitters go quietly in Cactus League loss to Rockies Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Tyler Anderson hopes pitching philosophy sparks turnaround Los Angeles Angels | Zach Neto doubles, triples in Angels’ victory over Brewers “We know he can throw out of the bullpen; that’s a given,” Washington said. “So right now, we’re going to assess one thing at a time.” FAITH REWARDED Catcher Logan O’Hoppe entered Friday’s start behind the plate with just one hit in eight at-bats while striking out a team-high five times. Before the game, Washington felt it was a matter of time before the results began to match the effort. “I just expect him to get his reps (and) get through spring training healthy,” Washington said. “The more at-bats he gets, that will take care of itself. We’re going to get him what he needs by the time Opening Day comes. I don’t want him putting pressure on himself with at-bats right now.” O’Hoppe then went 1 for 3 in Friday’s game, hitting his first home run of the spring to lead off the sixth inning. View the full article

THE GAME: Willie Calhoun had a home run among his three hits, Logan O’Hoppe and Miguel Sano hit back-to-back homers and the Angels rallied for a 5-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday in Peoria, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Reid Detmers walked four in 1⅔ innings and called his rough spring debut a case of the “jitters,” vowing to be better in his second outing next week. … Left-hander Matt Moore had two strikeouts during a scoreless inning, while hard-throwing Ben Joyce gave up two hits and two walks in an inning of work, but gave up just one run. HITTING REPORT: Calhoun showed his bat remains quick with a home run to right field in the second inning and adding two singles. … O’Hoppe’s second hit of the spring was a drive that just cleared the left-field wall in the sixth and Sano followed with a deep drive to left. … Kyren Paris had two hits. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Patrick Sandoval leads Angels’ pitchers in victory over Guardians Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mickey Moniak looks to build on breakthrough season Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ hitters go quietly in Cactus League loss to Rockies Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Tyler Anderson hopes pitching philosophy sparks turnaround Los Angeles Angels | Zach Neto doubles, triples in Angels’ victory over Brewers CIRCUS CATCH: Angels first baseman Hunter Dozier did his best to get under a foul ball down the right-field line in the fifth inning, but he was unable to make the catch, instead batting the ball in the air. Paris, the second baseman, trailed the play and also bobbled the ball before finally making the catch for the out with his bare hand. UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Jose Soriano) vs. Diamondbacks (LHP Logan Allen), Saturday, 12:10 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM View the full article

THE GAME: Angels pitchers combined to allow just four hits in a 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in a Cactus League game on Thursday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Patrick Sandoval pitched two perfect innings. Sandoval struck out two. Sandoval was so efficient that he had to throw an extra 15 pitches in the bullpen to get to his scheduled pitch count. “Today was really good for my confidence with my fastball, being able to put it where I want, and getting swings and misses on it,” Sandoval said. “It was huge.” … Right-hander Chase Silseth pitched two scoreless innings. He gave up one hit and one walk. Silseth and Sandoval, who are two of the Angels’ projected five starters, were making their first appearances of the spring. … Left-hander Drew Pomeranz pitched a scoreless inning. Pomeranz, who is in camp as a non-roster invite, has not allowed a run in either of his two outings. … Right-hander Victor Mederos pitched a perfect inning, with a strikeout. HITTING REPORT: Zach Neto blasted a home run off the batters’ eye, his first homer of the spring. Neto has three hits this spring, and all are extra-base hits. … Mike Trout lined a double into left center, his first hit of the spring. He started off hitless in his first 10 at-bats, including a strikeout in the first inning. … Anthony Rendon drew a walk and singled. Rendon is 2 for 6 with three walks this spring. … Brandon Drury drove in a run with a single. … Jo Adell singled, improving to 3 for 8 this spring. … Ehire Adrianza became the first Angels player to hit two homers this spring. A non-roster invitee, Adrianza is a candidate for a bench spot. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mickey Moniak looks to build on breakthrough season Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ hitters go quietly in Cactus League loss to Rockies Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Tyler Anderson hopes pitching philosophy sparks turnaround Los Angeles Angels | Zach Neto doubles, triples in Angels’ victory over Brewers Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mike Trout just had his worst season – here’s how he plans to fix it DEFENSE REPORT: Neto, the shortstop, made a nice play charging in on a slow bouncer. UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Reid Detmers) at Padres (RHP Randy Vasquez) at Peoria Sports Complex, Friday, 12:10 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. — Mickey Moniak is finally beginning a season without the weight of unmet expectations. Moniak, a former No. 1 overall draft pick who never found his big-league footing until 2023, comfortably has a job as a regular in the Angels lineup. “It feels different in the sense of finally having the success I had and almost validating what I’ve been doing in the offseason,” Moniak said. Moniak, 25, had hit just .157 with a .486 OPS over 167 plate appearances in parts of three seasons with Philadelphia and the Angels going into last year, when he hit .280 with 14 homers and an .802 OPS in 323 plate appearances. “He’s a professional hitter,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “He really is. He can handle the bat.” Washington likes Moniak as his leadoff hitter and right fielder, although he might also get some time at designated hitter or another outfield spot when either Mike Trout or Taylor Ward has the day off. The remaining questions are whether he can hit lefties and whether he can improve his strikeout-walk ratio. Moniak drew nine walks and struck out 113 times last season. “Something I do really well and something that makes me who I am is I am aggressive,” Moniak said. “If pitches are in the zone, I put them in play and hit them hard. The mindset for me is not necessarily trying to walk more. It’s more swinging at the pitches in the zone and being aggressive and if it’s not there, take it. It’s a fine line between not taking away my aggressiveness and being more patient. But that’s something we’re working on this spring.” As for hitting lefties, Moniak has a career .172 average. Last year, though, when he got his first real shot against lefties, he hit .222. “It’s just about getting an opportunity to do it,” Moniak said. “And when I get those opportunities, I have to capitalize on them and show people that I can do it.” Moniak has answered the skeptics on other parts of his game, a process that he said actually began before the 2022 season. That’s when he scrapped a lot of what he’d done with his swing in his first years in the Phillies’ system. He said he “simplified” things, returning to much of what he was doing as far back as high school. Moniak hit .378 with an OPS of 1.351 with the Phillies in spring training 2022, but he fractured his right hand when he was hit by a pitch just before opening day. He returned to play just 18 games with the Phillies before they traded him to the Angels in the Noah Syndergaard deal at the deadline. Moniak was just a week into his Angels career when he fractured a finger trying to bunt. That cost him most of the rest of the 2022 season. So for 2023, he believed he simply needed to keep doing what he’d done in 2022, but without the injuries. “I just had to stick with it,” Moniak said. “The season I had was validating that what I was doing works. But I’m definitely still hungry to get better.” SHUT DOWN The Angels are tied for the major-league lead with five opposing runners caught stealing this spring. They’ve allowed five stolen bases. “Every part of defense is a particular emphasis, and that’s a part of defense,” Washington said of stopping opponents on the bases. They caught Colorado Rockies speedster Zac Veen twice Wednesday. “He made three attempts at a stolen base and he got blown up twice,” Washington said with a broad smile. “And he can fly. That’s defense.” One time he was thrown out by Angels 18-year-old catcher Juan Flores. NOTES Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder) said he “felt good” after playing catch Wednesday. He said he’s not too concerned about the injury, but still might have to start the season on the injured list simply because he’d run out of time. “At this point, getting in enough games to be ready for opening day will be a little bit of a challenge,” Stephenson said. “I feel comfortable being in games before the end of the spring. It’s just a matter of if the workload is built up enough or not.” … Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ hitters go quietly in Cactus League loss to Rockies Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Tyler Anderson hopes pitching philosophy sparks turnaround Los Angeles Angels | Zach Neto doubles, triples in Angels’ victory over Brewers Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mike Trout just had his worst season – here’s how he plans to fix it Los Angeles Angels | Angels hold on to win slugfest against Giants The Angels are stretching out right-hander Andrew Wantz to make him a starting candidate instead of a reliever. Washington said he likes Wantz because he’s consistent. Washington reiterated that the Angels like “the first five,” which are left-handers Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers and Tyler Anderson and right-handers Griffin Canning and Chase Silseth. Washington said an injury could open the door for another starter, and Wantz now joins the list of starter candidates, along with right-handers Zach Plesac and Davis Daniel and left-handers José Suarez and Kenny Rosenberg. … Suarez has not pitched yet in a spring training game because Washington said “his arm was a little dead” after winter ball, but Washington said he still has time to get enough innings to be ready for opening day. Suarez is out of options. View the full article

THE GAME: The Angels lost to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in a Cactus League game on Wednesday at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Tyler Anderson gave up two runs in two innings. He worked a perfect first and then gave up four hits in the second. One of the hits was nearly caught by left fielder Taylor Ward. “Regardless of the outcome, I felt like I was executing better as it went on,” Anderson said. … Three Angels relievers expected to be on the Opening Day roster made their first appearances of the spring. Closer Carlos Estévez gave up a run in his innings, but right-handers Adam Cimber and Luis Garcia did not allow any runs. Garcia needed just five pitches to get through his inning. Cimber’s outing included a scare when he had to fling himself backward to avoid a 105 mph line drive. Shortstop Zach Neto fielded it on a hop to get the out. … Two right-handers competing for jobs – Hunter Strickland and Jimmy Herget – also worked scoreless innings. HITTING REPORT: Nolan Schanuel singled twice, an infield hit and a line drive into left-center. Both had exit velocities of at least 100 mph. Schanuel is 5 for 10 this spring, with at least one hit in each of the four games he’s played. … Anthony Rendon singled, walked and was hit by a pitch. Rendon drew a walk after falling behind 0-and-2. … Jason Martin singled, improving to 4 for 8 this spring. An Orange Lutheran High product, Martin is in a position to provide outfield depth. … Mike Trout was hitless in three at-bats, dropping to 0 for 9 to start the spring. … Ward drove in a run with a two-out single in the second. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Tyler Anderson hopes pitching philosophy sparks turnaround Los Angeles Angels | Zach Neto doubles, triples in Angels’ victory over Brewers Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mike Trout just had his worst season – here’s how he plans to fix it Los Angeles Angels | Angels hold on to win slugfest against Giants Los Angeles Angels | Ron Washington looks to Griffin Canning as a leader among Angels’ pitchers DEFENSE REPORT: The Angels had the infield in and a ball ricocheted off the glove of Neto and went straight to Rendon, the third baseman. The Angels got the out with a rundown, but a run scored on the play. … Rendon made a nice backhand play on a sharp grounder. … The Angels picked off two runners, one with Cimber on the mound and one with Herget pitching. … Catcher Juan Flores threw out a runner trying to steal second. Flores, who just turned 18 earlier this month, has impressed the staff with his raw tools. UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Patrick Sandoval) vs. Guardians (RHP Gavin Williams) at Tempe Diablo Stadium, Thursday, 12:10 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM View the full article

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Tyler Anderson wants to return to his philosophy of pitching this year. “My whole life has been trying to make good pitches, not make my pitches good,” Anderson said. The catchy phrase refers to the difference between thinking about how a pitch works against a certain hitter in a certain game situation, and simply measuring the velocity or the break or the spin of the baseball. As Anderson looks to rebound from the worst year of his career, he said one of the points of emphasis is not to chase Trackman numbers. “Less chasing stuff, which I felt was the M.O. last year, as opposed to pitching, which is what I like,” Anderson said. Anderson, who was set to make his first start of the spring Tuesday afternoon, said so far he’s enjoying the new organizational approach. The Angels have a new pitching coach (Barry Enright) and a new bullpen coach (Steve Karsay). New run prevention coordinator Alex Cultice helps develop the overall pitch-calling strategy. Whether all of that helps turn around Anderson remains to be seen. Certainly, the 34-year-old left-hander had more going wrong last season than the guidance he was getting from the organization. “Every year in the offseason, I’m kind of battling stuff and then right around the time spring came I’d start feeling good,” Anderson said. “Last year I never really got there.” Anderson said it wasn’t fatigue or pain. “I knew what I needed to do and I felt like I couldn’t get my body in position to do it,” he said. “Like my hips were too tight or there was some kind of block where I’m trying to make this fix over and over. It’s like trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. It doesn’t fit. The whole year I was fighting myself trying to make adjustments that physically I wasn’t really capable of making.” Anderson said he felt his velocity dropping and worked hard to improve it, but it was futile. “Coming into spring last year, I felt like I just couldn’t get any velo going,” Anderson said. “That’s probably because if you’re in the right positions, your body kind of naturally creates those levers to throw harder. If you’re trying to force it, you kind of lose command. Chasing a mile an hour for me, going from 89 to 90 or 90 to 91 or 92 is probably not that beneficial. “If I’m gonna go from 90 to 97, it’s probably OK to chase that and lose command, but to try as hard as I can to throw one mile an hour harder with literally 110% of effort every single time? I’m sacrificing command. For me, that’s not where it’s at.” The result was a 5.43 ERA in 25 starts, covering 141 innings. It was not what the Angels expected when they signed Anderson to a three-year, $39 million deal in November 2022. Anderson was coming off an All-Star season in which he’d posted a 2.57 ERA with the Dodgers in 2022. The Angels weren’t expecting that either, or they’d have been paying him $30 million a year instead of $13 million. Anderson’s career ERA heading into 2023 was 4.16, and if Anderson would have just done that last year, he’d have delivered what the Angels needed. Going into 2024, Anderson said if he can get to something in between 2022 and 2023, those would be “like my normal numbers.” Manager Ron Washington, who wasn’t around for Anderson’s 2023 nightmare, said he’s willing to write it off as an outlier season. He said he “loves” Anderson’s attitude. “He had a chance to go through that bad spell,” Washington said. “Now he has a chance to go through a good spell. You play this game long enough, you’re going to have bad spells. No one plays this game consistently all the time. You’re gonna have those periods and then you find out what you’re made of. We know what he’s made of. “He’s a gamer, man. Maybe some things he wasn’t doing that he should have done. He had a chance to deal with that over the winter. Come back in here and make sure that he goes about his business to make certain that he gets back to where he is.” NOTES Right-hander Robert Stephenson (sore shoulder) was cleared to begin some light throwing. Stephenson has not yet pitched in a Cactus League game. … Infielders Michael Stefanic (strained quad) and Luis Rengifo (hamstring) were both cleared to resume baseball workouts. … Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Zach Neto doubles, triples in Angels’ victory over Brewers Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Mike Trout just had his worst season – here’s how he plans to fix it Los Angeles Angels | Angels hold on to win slugfest against Giants Los Angeles Angels | Ron Washington looks to Griffin Canning as a leader among Angels’ pitchers Los Angeles Angels | Angels shut out by Royals, fall to Reds in split-squad games First baseman Evan White (hip soreness) also returned to action after being slowed for several days. White has dealt with hip issues for years, and he was finally feeling 100% as he began his first spring training with the Angels. He felt a tweak last week and took some time to let it subside. “It was a little tight last week and I think the biggest thing now is we’ve waited to long to get back to playing that we’re doing the right thing by taking it slow and putting myself in the best position to not just be healthy, but to stay on the field for the whole season,” White said. … Taylor Ward led off the first inning with a double Tuesday, but Washington wanted him to go for the triple, which is another indication of how he’s pushing the Angels to not be conservative on the bases. The rule of thumb is never to make the first out at third base, but Washington believed that Ward would have been comfortably safe. “You don’t force third, but if the play predicts you can get to third, don’t think about ‘I’m the leadoff guy and there’s nobody out so I’m going to stop at second,’” Washington said. View the full article