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Today, Angels outfielder Mike Trout celebrates his 28th birthday. Entering tonight’s contest in Cincinnati, the Millville, NJ native owns a .306 (1300/4248) average with 250 doubles, 45 triples, 277 home runs, 736 RBI and 879 runs scored in 1,172 career games.
Here’s a summary of Trout’s accomplishments prior to turning 28:
·   Is one of four players with at least 1,300 hits and 750 walks before turning 28, joining Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Mickey Mantle.
·   One of three A.L. players with 1,300 hits and 190 steals before turning 28, alongside Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker.
·   Joins Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols as the only players to ever amass 250 doubles and 275 home runs prior to their 28th birthday.
·   277 career home runs rank seventh all-time by a player before turning 28, trailing only Alex Rodriguez (322), Jimmie Foxx (302), Eddie Mathews (299), Ken Griffey Jr. (294)  Albert Pujols (282) and Mickey Mantle (280).
·   Recorded 779 walks prior to turning 28, which currently ranks fifth in baseball history: Mickey Mantle (892), Eddie Yost (874), Mel Ott (819) and Jimmie Foxx (782).
·   Owns a 71.6 career WAR (Baseball Reference), which is the highest all time by a position player by their 28th birthday (Ty Cobb is second at 69.0).
·   In six career games on his birthday, is batting .304 (7/23) with a double, four home runs and five RBI…With homers on four birthdays, trails only Todd Helton, Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Alex Rodriguez andAl Simmons as the only players to homer on five different birthdays.
·   Tabbed as an All-Star for the eighth consecutive season and was selected as a starter for the seventh straight year (did not start in 2017 due to injury)….Is just the sixth American Leaguer to start at least six All-Star games before turning 28, joining Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ivan Rodriguez, Rod Carew and Ken Griffey Jr…Is one of six American League players to have hit multiple All-Star Game home runs before turning 28, joining Ted Williams, Fred Lynn Al Kaline, Rocky Colavito and Mickey Mantle.
Additionally, at the time of his 28th birthday, Trout’s resume includes two A.L. MVP Awards (2014 & 2016), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), eight All-Star Game nominations (2012-2019), two All-Star Game MVP awards (2014-15) and six Silver Slugger Awards (2012-2016, ‘18).

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Today, Angels outfielder Mike Trout celebrates his 28th birthday. Entering tonight’s contest in Cincinnati, the Millville, NJ native owns a .306 (1300/4248) average with 250 doubles, 45 triples, 277 home runs, 736 RBI and 879 runs scored in 1,172 career games.
Here’s a summary of Trout’s accomplishments prior to turning 28:
·   Is one of four players with at least 1,300 hits and 750 walks before turning 28, joining Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Mickey Mantle.
·   One of three A.L. players with 1,300 hits and 190 steals before turning 28, alongside Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker.
·   Joins Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols as the only players to ever amass 250 doubles and 275 home runs prior to their 28th birthday.
·   277 career home runs rank seventh all-time by a player before turning 28, trailing only Alex Rodriguez (322), Jimmie Foxx (302), Eddie Mathews (299), Ken Griffey Jr. (294)  Albert Pujols (282) and Mickey Mantle (280).
·   Recorded 779 walks prior to turning 28, which currently ranks fifth in baseball history: Mickey Mantle (892), Eddie Yost (874), Mel Ott (819) and Jimmie Foxx (782).
·   Owns a 71.6 career WAR (Baseball Reference), which is the highest all time by a position player by their 28th birthday (Ty Cobb is second at 69.0).
·   In six career games on his birthday, is batting .304 (7/23) with a double, four home runs and five RBI…With homers on four birthdays, trails only Todd Helton, Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Alex Rodriguez andAl Simmons as the only players to homer on five different birthdays.
·   Tabbed as an All-Star for the eighth consecutive season and was selected as a starter for the seventh straight year (did not start in 2017 due to injury)….Is just the sixth American Leaguer to start at least six All-Star games before turning 28, joining Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ivan Rodriguez, Rod Carew and Ken Griffey Jr…Is one of six American League players to have hit multiple All-Star Game home runs before turning 28, joining Ted Williams, Fred Lynn Al Kaline, Rocky Colavito and Mickey Mantle.
Additionally, at the time of his 28th birthday, Trout’s resume includes two A.L. MVP Awards (2014 & 2016), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), eight All-Star Game nominations (2012-2019), two All-Star Game MVP awards (2014-15) and six Silver Slugger Awards (2012-2016, ‘18).

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Today, Angels outfielder Mike Trout celebrates his 28th birthday. Entering tonight’s contest in Cincinnati, the Millville, NJ native owns a .306 (1300/4248) average with 250 doubles, 45 triples, 277 home runs, 736 RBI and 879 runs scored in 1,172 career games.
Here’s a summary of Trout’s accomplishments prior to turning 28:
·   Is one of four players with at least 1,300 hits and 750 walks before turning 28, joining Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Mickey Mantle.
·   One of three A.L. players with 1,300 hits and 190 steals before turning 28, alongside Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker.
·   Joins Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols as the only players to ever amass 250 doubles and 275 home runs prior to their 28th birthday.
·   277 career home runs rank seventh all-time by a player before turning 28, trailing only Alex Rodriguez (322), Jimmie Foxx (302), Eddie Mathews (299), Ken Griffey Jr. (294)  Albert Pujols (282) and Mickey Mantle (280).
·   Recorded 779 walks prior to turning 28, which currently ranks fifth in baseball history: Mickey Mantle (892), Eddie Yost (874), Mel Ott (819) and Jimmie Foxx (782).
·   Owns a 71.6 career WAR (Baseball Reference), which is the highest all time by a position player by their 28th birthday (Ty Cobb is second at 69.0).
·   In six career games on his birthday, is batting .304 (7/23) with a double, four home runs and five RBI…With homers on four birthdays, trails only Todd Helton, Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Alex Rodriguez andAl Simmons as the only players to homer on five different birthdays.
·   Tabbed as an All-Star for the eighth consecutive season and was selected as a starter for the seventh straight year (did not start in 2017 due to injury)….Is just the sixth American Leaguer to start at least six All-Star games before turning 28, joining Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ivan Rodriguez, Rod Carew and Ken Griffey Jr…Is one of six American League players to have hit multiple All-Star Game home runs before turning 28, joining Ted Williams, Fred Lynn Al Kaline, Rocky Colavito and Mickey Mantle.
Additionally, at the time of his 28th birthday, Trout’s resume includes two A.L. MVP Awards (2014 & 2016), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), eight All-Star Game nominations (2012-2019), two All-Star Game MVP awards (2014-15) and six Silver Slugger Awards (2012-2016, ‘18).

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Today, Angels outfielder Mike Trout celebrates his 28th birthday. Entering tonight’s contest in Cincinnati, the Millville, NJ native owns a .306 (1300/4248) average with 250 doubles, 45 triples, 277 home runs, 736 RBI and 879 runs scored in 1,172 career games.
Here’s a summary of Trout’s accomplishments prior to turning 28:
·   Is one of four players with at least 1,300 hits and 750 walks before turning 28, joining Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Mickey Mantle.
·   One of three A.L. players with 1,300 hits and 190 steals before turning 28, alongside Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker.
·   Joins Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols as the only players to ever amass 250 doubles and 275 home runs prior to their 28th birthday.
·   277 career home runs rank seventh all-time by a player before turning 28, trailing only Alex Rodriguez (322), Jimmie Foxx (302), Eddie Mathews (299), Ken Griffey Jr. (294)  Albert Pujols (282) and Mickey Mantle (280).
·   Recorded 779 walks prior to turning 28, which currently ranks fifth in baseball history: Mickey Mantle (892), Eddie Yost (874), Mel Ott (819) and Jimmie Foxx (782).
·   Owns a 71.6 career WAR (Baseball Reference), which is the highest all time by a position player by their 28th birthday (Ty Cobb is second at 69.0).
·   In six career games on his birthday, is batting .304 (7/23) with a double, four home runs and five RBI…With homers on four birthdays, trails only Todd Helton, Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Alex Rodriguez andAl Simmons as the only players to homer on five different birthdays.
·   Tabbed as an All-Star for the eighth consecutive season and was selected as a starter for the seventh straight year (did not start in 2017 due to injury)….Is just the sixth American Leaguer to start at least six All-Star games before turning 28, joining Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ivan Rodriguez, Rod Carew and Ken Griffey Jr…Is one of six American League players to have hit multiple All-Star Game home runs before turning 28, joining Ted Williams, Fred Lynn Al Kaline, Rocky Colavito and Mickey Mantle.
Additionally, at the time of his 28th birthday, Trout’s resume includes two A.L. MVP Awards (2014 & 2016), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), eight All-Star Game nominations (2012-2019), two All-Star Game MVP awards (2014-15) and six Silver Slugger Awards (2012-2016, ‘18).

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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
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Today, Angels outfielder Mike Trout celebrates his 28th birthday. Entering tonight’s contest in Cincinnati, the Millville, NJ native owns a .306 (1300/4248) average with 250 doubles, 45 triples, 277 home runs, 736 RBI and 879 runs scored in 1,172 career games.
Here’s a summary of Trout’s accomplishments prior to turning 28:
·   Is one of four players with at least 1,300 hits and 750 walks before turning 28, joining Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Mickey Mantle.
·   One of three A.L. players with 1,300 hits and 190 steals before turning 28, alongside Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker.
·   Joins Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols as the only players to ever amass 250 doubles and 275 home runs prior to their 28th birthday.
·   277 career home runs rank seventh all-time by a player before turning 28, trailing only Alex Rodriguez (322), Jimmie Foxx (302), Eddie Mathews (299), Ken Griffey Jr. (294)  Albert Pujols (282) and Mickey Mantle (280).
·   Recorded 779 walks prior to turning 28, which currently ranks fifth in baseball history: Mickey Mantle (892), Eddie Yost (874), Mel Ott (819) and Jimmie Foxx (782).
·   Owns a 71.6 career WAR (Baseball Reference), which is the highest all time by a position player by their 28th birthday (Ty Cobb is second at 69.0).
·   In six career games on his birthday, is batting .304 (7/23) with a double, four home runs and five RBI…With homers on four birthdays, trails only Todd Helton, Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Alex Rodriguez andAl Simmons as the only players to homer on five different birthdays.
·   Tabbed as an All-Star for the eighth consecutive season and was selected as a starter for the seventh straight year (did not start in 2017 due to injury)….Is just the sixth American Leaguer to start at least six All-Star games before turning 28, joining Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ivan Rodriguez, Rod Carew and Ken Griffey Jr…Is one of six American League players to have hit multiple All-Star Game home runs before turning 28, joining Ted Williams, Fred Lynn Al Kaline, Rocky Colavito and Mickey Mantle.
Additionally, at the time of his 28th birthday, Trout’s resume includes two A.L. MVP Awards (2014 & 2016), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), eight All-Star Game nominations (2012-2019), two All-Star Game MVP awards (2014-15) and six Silver Slugger Awards (2012-2016, ‘18).

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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
View the full article

By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
1) Jared Walsh – 1B/DH/LHP, AAA Salt Lake: 
Walsh’s red-hot July reached a ridiculous level the last two weeks, as he slashed .435/.500/1.043/1.543 since 7/22, notably hitting three homers on July 23rd – followed by six more over the next 10 games – giving him an incredible nine home runs over his last 52 PA, a 133 HR pace over 162 games. Walsh’s plate discipline has also made huge strides in ’19, as he is now sporting a 13.6% BB rate over his 8.1% mark in 2018, resulting in a .453 OBP since May 1st. Walsh also returned to the mound twice over the last two weeks, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one. It’s clear that Walsh has now mastered AAA and the Pacific Coast League. Recent hot play and injuries have brought the two-way player once again to Anaheim, but with Pujols firmly entrenched at first base, playing time still seems to be scarce. Ideally, the Angels find some time for Walsh to get a shot at consistent playing time to determine if he’s simply another AAAA slugger, or perhaps the second coming of Mark Trumbo.
2019 hitting (AAA): .329/.433/.687/1.120 with 24 doubles, 29 HR, 70 RBI, 51 BB, 93 K in 81 G/374 PA
2019 pitching (AAA): 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 H, 3 BB, 7 K across 10 IP in 10 G
2, tied) Orlando Martinez – OF, A+ Inland Empire and Francisco Del Valle – RF/LF, A Burlington:
Placing these two together, as they’re very similar in performance, potential, and current results…
Martinez continues to make strides in his development – a cool start to the year gave way to a late June/early July surge, followed by an ice-cold 10-86 (.127) snap in July. Martinez has found his swing once again the last couple weeks however, slashing .298/.390/.617/1.007 with a barrage of extra base hits – two doubles, two triples, three home runs – and his increasingly solid plate discipline – 9 walks to 7 strikeouts. Capable at all three outfield positions, Martinez likely will stick at Inland Empire for the remainder of the year, though an opportunity at AA Mobile could emerge should he continue to play well, perhaps following a AAA taste for Brandon Marsh. Martinez should have the defense, discipline, and decent enough offensive profile to slot in behind Michael Hermosillo and Brennon Lund as a future 4th/5th OF option in Anaheim, likely landing on the MLB depth chart by late 2021.
Like Martinez, Francisco Del Valle has had an up-and-down year, teetering between ice-cold stretches and red-hot surges, and like Martinez, Del Valle profiles best as a solid future 4th OF option, though his CF playing time has dwindled a bit. Del Valle has similarly shown a blend of discipline and power, slashing .311/.436/.444/.881 over the last two weeks, with three doubles, one home run, and 10 walks to 7 strikeouts. About to turn 21, Del Valle is a year younger than Martinez but also a year nearer Rule 5 eligibility, so his development in Inland Empire next year will be key for his long-term designs in the club’s plans.
Martinez, 2019 (A+): .258/.335/.424/.760 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 33 BB, 60 K in 63 G/310 PA
Del Valle, 2019 (A): .211/.331/.358/.689 with 21 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 88 K in 95 G/379 PA
3) Jose Verrier – LF/RF/1B, Rookie Orem:
At 21, Verrier is a touch old for the Pioneer League, but the 6’1″, right-handed hitting Cuban has shown significant progress in his development in his second pro season after posting a .609 OPS last year, almost entirely with the Angels’ Rookie league team in Arizona. Verrier’s most recent two weeks have seen him split time between RF, LF, and 1B, but he’s also seen time at 2B and 3B. Since July 22nd, Verrier’s slashed .276/.462/.483/.944, with two home runs, seven walks, and 14 strikeouts. While power numbers are almost always inflated in the thin air of the Pioneer League, Verrier’s combination of decent pop, high walk rate, and positional versatility lends him the potential to still develop into a decent corner infield option for the Halos, perhaps easing a bit of the sting from recently dealing Raider Uceta and Rainier Rivas.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .239/.369/.478/.847 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 BB, 61 K in 40 G/168 PA
4) Gareth Morgan – OF, AA Mobile:
Morgan’s light-tower power has carried him into his first AA foray, where the powerful slugger will try to prove his dramatic HR surge can translate outside of the California League, and where questions about his even more dramatic BB:K will be answered in one way or another. Over his last twelve games (eight in A+, four in AA), Morgan has slashed .277/.358/.511/.869, with two doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, and 21 strikeouts. Yet to hit a HR in AA, Morgan has gone 4-15 (.267) with one walk and seven strikeouts. If Morgan is able to make decent contact and continue his prodigious power, the lack of walks and high number of strikeouts might not matter much.
2019 (A+/AA): .262/.314/.569/.883 with 6 doubles, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 122 K in 56 G/245 PA
5) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, A+ Inland Empire:
In his second pro season, infielder Michael Stefanic has quietly proven a solid hitter, and could sneak into the MLB plans by 2021, as he’s posted a .302/.383/.393/.775 slash in 92 career games, hitting every step of the way, buoyed by a solid 29:40 walk to strikeout ratio. Should his defense and offense maintain, Stefanic might move quickly as a result, and recently put in a .346/.443/.423/.866 slash displaying his blend of contact and discipline. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Stefanic has never held much prospect helium, but he might be one to watch once he graduates to AA Mobile, likely next season.
2019 hitting (A/A+): .296/.377/.391/.768 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 25 BB, 35 K in 78 G/321 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Justin Bour (1B/DH, AAA): .342/.519/.895/1.414 with 3 2B, 6 HR, 13 BB, 15 K – Bour hitting in the SLC is kind of unfair
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .438/.538/.750/1.288 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 7 K – little short on PA (39) to rank
Zane Gurwitz (LF/3B A+, AA): .419/.468/.674/1.143 with 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K  – hitting well back in IE A+ after a brief mixed promotion to Mobile AA
Anthony Bemboom (C, AAA): .375/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K – catcher hitting well in return to org, likely now #3 on depth chart with Garneau claimed and Briceno injured
Jose Bonilla (SS, Rk. DSL): .333/.444/.542/.986 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 7 BB, 9 K – 17-yr old has a .808 OPS with a .402 OBP and .405 SLG to date in first 20 pro games.
Kaleb Cowart (3B, AAA): .308/.357/.538/.896 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – playing exclusively 3B over the last month
Drevian Williams-Nelson (2B/RF, AAA): .310/.412/.483/.895 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 4 BB, 10 K 
Brandon White (OF, Orem Rk.): .314/.400/.486/.886 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 9 K – ’19 draftee hitting well to start pro career
Jeremiah Jackson (2B/SS, Orem Rk.): .277/.345/.489/.835 with 1 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 BB, 15 K
Roberto Baldoquin (2B/3B, AA): .353/.389/.441/.830 with 3 doubles, 2 BB, 7 K
Ryan Vega (OF, AZL Rk./A): .297/.422/.405/.828 with 1 double, 1 HR, 2 SB, 8 BB, 10 K – hitting well in Burlington after a rough stint at Inland Empire
Alexander Ramirez (DH/CF, DSL Rk.): .268/.333/.488/.821 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 15 K – reminder, he is in his age 16 season
6) Patrick Sandoval – LHP, AAA Salt Lake City:
At first glance, Sandoval’s stats at Salt Lake City do not suggest the 22-year old lefty is big-league ready, an assignment that draws to reality this evening, when Sandoval makes his MLB debut against Cincinnati. But digging deeper, peripherals begin to indicate Sandoval has been far more victimized by the hitter-friendly PCL’s ridiculous environs than what he’s due. Sandoval’s most recent work, two consecutive starts against Colorado’s Albuquerque Isotopes, resulted in 11.2 IP, .190 BAA, 2.31 ERA, and 5 walks to 14 strikeouts, an example of the lefties strong swing-and-miss stuff. In addition to Sandoval’s strong strikeout rates (11 per 9 innings), he’s also kept the ball on the ground via a 47% groundball percentage, and a reasonable 7 HR allowed in 60 PCL innings. With the Angels rotation decimated by injury, Sandoval has golden opportunity to seize a spot on the staff and run with it for the remainder of the year. While initial results have been mixed, the exposure that this promising quartet – Canning, Suarez, Barria, and Sandoval – are experiencing now could shape the Angels rotation drastically as soon as 2020.
2019 (AA/AAA): 5.71 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .290 BAA, 42 BB, 98 K, across 80.1 IP in 20 G/19 GS
7) Cristopher Molina – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Molina has continued to show no issues adjusting to A+, as the righty added three more solid starts to his 2019 campaign, throwing 16.2 IP of 3.78 ERA ball, walking four and striking out 15 to go with 2 HR and 16 hits (.254 BAA). Molina has now been in the organization since 2014, yet is only 22 – young for the California League – and has been consistent and durable going back to the second-half of 2018, so he might begin to get pressed further as the year goes on, perhaps even a AA call-up. Tall and lanky, listed at 6’3″ and 170, Molina’s strong blend of durability, decent strikeout rates, low walk rates, and ability to limit baserunners makes him an ideal organizational soldier who could emerge as a depth piece as early as 2020.
2019 (A/A+): 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 99 K across 105.2 IP in 21 G/18 GS
8) Hector Yan – LHP, A Burlington:
Early season questions about Yan’s control and ability to pitch deep into games are quickly becoming erased. Yan is now averaging 83 pitches a game since June 4th, having pitched into the 5th inning or better in nine of his last eleven starts after only doing so twice in the first two months of the year. He has allowed no more than one walk in his last five starts and only 20 in his last 54.1 IP, after starting the year with 22 BB in his first 35 IP. In his last two starts, Yan has again been dominant pitching 10.2 IP of 1.69 ERA ball, only allowing four hits (.118 BAA) and two walks, striking out twelve. Yan might have little left to prove in Burlington, and a promotion to Inland Empire to wrap up the year seems reasonable and possibly imminent, where he might replace the recently promoted Oliver Ortega on the 66er’s staff.
2019 (A): 3.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 4 HR allowed, 42 BB, 122 K across 89.1 IP in 21 G/17 GS
9, tied) Luke Lind – RHP, A Burlington/A+ Inland Empire and Chad Sykes – RHP, A Burlington:
In a year that has seen the Angels utilize multiple starting pitchers in tandem, and a number of relievers converted to the rotation, the number of relievers in the system has dropped significantly. Two names however have bucked that trend and have posted strong results. Towering Luke Lind, a 6’6″ RHP who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, struck out 62 in 38 innings before missing the 2018 season, has returned this year as a force in the Burlington, and now Inland Empire, bullpen. Lind made one more Burlington performance on 7/22 before being promoted to Inland Empire, and has collectively posted 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .135 BAA, 2 BB, 13 K in five appearances over the last two weeks. Routinely delivering 30-40 pitches, Lind has been used heavily as a multi-inning reliever, and one has to imagine he’ll follow this path as he advances, if not garnering some discussion as a possible rotation convert.
Chad Sykes, one of the Angels ’19 draftees, and even rarer, one of the few allowed to pitch the same season as being drafted, has also made a mark to start his career. The UNC reliever was promoted to Burlington on July 24th, and has opened his A Ball career with 6 innings pitched, allowing zero runs, one hit, three walks, and striking out 10. Sykes could be a fast-mover in the Angels season, perhaps finding himself in AA Mobile as early as next year, with a 2020 call-up not out of the question.
Lind 2019 (A/A+): 2.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .228 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 19 BB, 58 K (11.1 K/9) across 47 IP in 28 G
Sykes 2019 (Orem Rk./A): 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .228 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 8 BB, 25 K (14.1 K/9) across 16 IP in 11 G
10, tied) Cooper Criswell – RHP, A+ Inland Empire and Robinson Pina – RHP, A Burlington:
Three ties for this edition of the hotlist! The last slot goes to two arms that have quietly produced a full season of solid results, often in the shadows of those with more exciting results such as Hector Yan, Jose Soriano, or Oliver Ortega, or with more prospect pedigree, such as Kyle Bradish, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Hernandez, or Cole Duensing.
Cooper Criswell, in particular, has really come along as a strong, durable arm in the Inland Empire rotation. Standing 6’6″, 200, the North Carolina righty turned 24 a couple weeks back, and made the hotlist following three strong starts in which he totaled 17.1 IP, allowing a 2.08 ERA, and 21 hits, striking out 18 and only walking 2. Criswell has enjoyed a steady, solid summer actually, having limited opponents to a 3.42 ERA in June and July, posting strong peripherals (10 BB, 55 K, and only 2 HR) in 52.2 IP. Criswell’s might find himself in AA before the year’s out, and could profile as a decent back-of-the-rotation starter on the Angels’ depth charts as soon as 2020.
Pina, likewise, has been solid and dependable over the course of the year, and his most recent two starts align with those of Criswell, albeit in only two starts, as the righty allowed a 1.64 ERA, .216 BAA across 11 IP, walking 2, striking out 15. The 20-year old Pina is nearly two years older than the competition he is facing as a member of Burlington’s staff, and while walks have been of some concern (50 in 90 IP), he has struck out 115 on the year, only allowing 4 home runs and limiting hitters to a .218 BAA on the season. Pina should see time in Inland Empire before the year is out, and continued success could lead him to a quick ascent among the Angels top SP prospects, with a future in at least the bullpen an almost certain floor.
Criswell 2019 (A+): 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .288 BAA, 6 HR allowed, 26 BB, 86 K across 90.2 IP in 20 G/16 GS
Pina 2019 (A): 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .218 BAA, 50 BB, 115 K across 90.1 IP in 21 G/16 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Kelvin Caceres (RHP, AZL Rk.): 14 IP, 4 BB, 13 K, .224 BAA, 3.21 ERA in 3 G/2 GS – 19-year old with a strong showing stateside so far, 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9 K/9
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 12.2 IP, BB, 9 K, .245 BAA, 3.55 ERA in 2 GS
Greg Mahle (LHP, AA): 11 IP, BB, 11 K, .273 BAA, 3.27 ERA in 2 GS – Remember him? Wouldn’t surprise me if he wound up making a spot start before the year is out.
Luis Pena (RHP, AA): 6.2 IP, 4 BB, 10 K, .154 BAA, 2.70 ERA in 4 games – converted to relief, Pena has a .175 BAA and 2.78 ERA in Mobile this year following a demotion from SLC
Adam Hofacket (RHP, AA/AAA): 9.1 IP, 4 BB, 14 K, .206 BAA, 3.86 ERA in 4 games – RHP showing increased strikeout rates this year, could pop up in Anaheim before year is up
Victor Rodriguez (LHP, DSL Rk.): 9 IP, 3 BB, 10 K, .229 BAA, 1.00 ERA – 18-year old lefty throwing well in Dominican Summer League
Ethan Clark (RHP, Orem Rk./A): 7.2 IP, 3 BB, 18 K, .172 BAA, 2.35 ERA in 4 games  – 6’5″ RHP from Tampa org, a little old for league but 28 K in 20.1 IP so far
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Jose Soriano, RHP Burlington Bees
By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
We’ve hit a point in the season where it’s time to acknowledge what’s been going on with our pitching in the minors. Especially Burlington and Inland Empire. We’ll likely start seeing a couple of these guys move up to IE/Mobile within the next month or so.
Last season, the Angels minor leagues saw only 13 pitchers start 20+ games – and of those, only 11 topped 100 innings.
Within that group only three had an ERA below 4.00: Suarez at 3.92, Canning at 3.65, and Madero at 3.49. Eight had an ERA over 4.50, and four of those had an ERA over 6. It was not pretty.
This year is shaping up to be quite different – even with Canning and Suarez having hardly thrown any minor league innings.
PATRICK SANDOVAL – 6’3″, 190, LHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2015 (11th Rd.)
(AA/AAA): 4.47 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, .278 BAA, 21 BB, 57 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/11 GS
Dominant in Mobile (32 K in 20 IP), Sandoval has slowed some in SLC (5.18 ERA, 2.14 WHIP) but is still the Angels next-best SP prospect.
LUIS MADERO – 6’3″, 185, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2013 (Intl. FA), acquired by LAA via trade
(A+/AA): 3.04 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .251 BAA, 17 BB, 59 K in 56.1 IP across 12 G/10 GS
Madero has had no issues adjusting to AA, and could find himself working in the Angel bullpen in September.
JEREMY BEASLEY – 6’3″, 215, RHP, 23 years old, drafted in 2017 (30th Rd.)
(AA): 3.33 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, .256 BAA, 24 BB, 51 K in 54 IP across 12 G/11 GS
Bulldog Beasley continues to exceed expectations. Strong GB (55%) and swinging strike (16%) tendencies, sort of like pre-2019 Cahill. Allowed 2 R or fewer in 9 of 12 games.
JESUS CASTILLO – 6’3″, 205, RHP, 23 years old, signed in 2011 (Intl. FA), acquired by LAA via trade
(AA): 3.41 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .265 BAA, 17 BB, 51 K in 66 IP across 13 G/11 GS
Currently leads the org in innings pitched, has rebounded from a poor 2018. Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 11 of 13 appearances.
ANDREW WANTZ – 6’4″, 235, RHP, 23 years old, drafted in 2018 (7th Rd.)
(A+/AA): 3.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .211 BAA, 19 BB, 64 K in 54 IP across 12 G/7 GS
After posting a gaudy 47 K in 23 relief IP last year, Angels surprisingly stretched him out to a starter. He hasn’t missed a beat. K/9 near 11.
DENNY BRADY – 6’1″, 200, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2017 (7th Rd.)
(A+): 3.06 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .228 BAA, 20 BB, 65 K in 53 IP across 12 G/7 GS
As steady and consistent as a minor league arm can be, has yet to allow more than 3 R in a game.
KYLE BRADISH – 6’4″, 190, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (4th Rd.)
(A+): 3.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, .228 BAA, 20 BB, 58 K in 43.2 IP across 11 G/7 GS
A little wild, a little inconsistent, but has shown flashes of straight dominance in a trio of starts:
4/23: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K, 5/9: 5 IP, 7 H, 0 R, BB, 9 K, 5/21: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K OLIVER ORTEGA – 6’0″, 165, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2015 (Intl. FA)
(A+): 3.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .203 BAA, 33 BB, 74 K in 58 IP across 12 G/11 GS
Who would have guessed Oliver Ortega would be leading the Angels org in strikeouts in mid-June? Who even knows who Oliver Ortega is?
AARON HERNANDEZ – 6’1″, 170, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (3rd Rd.)
(A+): 4.26 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .279 BAA, 21 BB, 35 K in 31.2 IP across 9 G/7 GS.
Yet to find a groove, but still posting decent numbers with swing-and-miss stuff, and a decent repertoire of pitches.
CRISTOPHER MOLINA – 6’3″, 170, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2013 (Intl. FA)
(A): 2.61 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, .193 BAA, 22 BB, 65 K in 58.2 IP across 12 G/9 GS
Stumbled a bit in last three games, but prior, had posted a 1.25 ERA and .167 BAA through first 9 appearances.
JOSE SORIANO – 6’3″, 168, RHP, 20 years old, signed in 2016 (Intl. FA)
(A): 2.47 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, .201 BAA, 35 BB, 70 K in 62 IP across 13 G/11 GS
Not far behind Sandoval from being the Angels best SP prospect – only 2 HR allowed, a 55% GB rate, a little erratic, but big-time potential.
HECTOR YAN – 5’11”, 180, LHP, 20 years old, signed in 2015 (Intl. FA)
(A): 3.86 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, .220 BAA, 26 BB, 66 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/8 GS
Lots of swing-and-miss stuff could lead Yan into top-of-rotation potential, but he’ll need to work more efficiently and get a handle on the walks. Only 1 HR allowed.
COLE DUENSING – 6’4″, 175, RHP, 21 years old, drafted in 2016 (6th Rd.)
(A): 4.36 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, .250 BAA, 33 BB, 51 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/9 GS
Absolutely awful in 2017-2018, with an ERA near 10.00, Duensing’s dramatic turnaround offers hope for brighter days still ahead.
KYLE TYLER – 6’0″, 185, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (20th Rd.)
(A): 4.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .217 BAA, 19 BB, 53 K in 54.1 IP across 12 G/9 GS
Another reliever converted to the rotation, Tyler throws strikes (65%) coupled with a strong GB rate (53%), quietly producing and putting himself into the mix.
ROBINSON PINA – 6’4″, 180, RHP, 20 years old, signed in 2017 (Intl. FA)
(A): 3.22 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, .193 BAA, 32 BB, 61 K in 50.1 IP across 12 G/7 GS
Steady and consistent, in three pro seasons, has yet to allow an ERA over 3.68, averaging over 10 K per 9, only 7 hits per 9, and a total of 5 HR in 145.2 IP.
LUIS ALVARADO – 6’4″, 210, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (17th Rd.)
(A): 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .186 BAA, 22 BB, 60 K in 48 IP across 12 G/7 GS Has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in all but one game, and only 3 ER in the other.
Even more exciting is that still doesn’t take into account the 2019 draftees who could ultimately join this list – Jack Kochanowicz, Erik Rivera, Garrett Stallings, Zach Peek, Davis Daniel, Zach Linginfelter – or the legitimate SP prospects who have been injured – Chris Rodriguez, James Swanda, Stiward Aquino – or the other arms who either have had enough prospect pedigree or success to still enter the picture, such as Cooper Criswell, Luke Lind, Connor Van Scoyoc, Jose Natera, Emilker Guzman, Jerryell Rivera, Kelvin Moncion, or Jason Alexander.
The growth we’ve seen this year – both in terms of development and depth added – is quite frankly, staggering, and given the number of arms drafted in 2019, only likely to grow.
With Eppler’s aggressive promotions, the use of multi-inning relievers. 6-man rotations, and ‘tandem’ starters, there’s a chance we see a lot of these arms start reaching the majors as soon as late 2020 or in 2021.
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CLEVELAND — With the passing of the trade deadline, the Angels’ essentially roster is set for the rest of this season, which makes this a good time to take stock of where they are and where they’re going.
After losing five of seven in a frustrating homestand, they are 56-54, trailing by six games for the second wild card.
We took your questions on Twitter and our Angels Facebook page.
Q: Are we throwing in the towel with no new pitching? — @ds8106
A: For this season, it seems like it. However, the towel was probably thrown in a while ago. General manager Billy Eppler knew they had a long way to go to catch the Houston Astros last winter, so he chose a conservative approach. He held on to all the top prospects and avoided any long-term contracts that could affect future spending. He took a few short-term chances with the hope that, if some things broke right, they could grab a wild card. But all three of their free-agent pitching signings (Matt Harvey, Trevor Cahill and Cody Allen) were whiffs. Given that none of that worked, and along with the tragic passing of Tyler Skaggs, the Angels have been stuck on the fringes of the playoff race. There was little Eppler could do at the deadline that would significantly help the 2019 team make the playoffs, and he didn’t feel the prospect cost for players controllable beyond 2019 was appropriate.
Q: Why a catcher and why not (Dustin) Garneau? — John Clarke
A: Many fans were puzzled when the Angels acquired Max Stassi at the deadline. The Angels didn’t really have a true defensive specialist at catcher going forward. Jonathan Lucroy is going to be a free agent at the end of the year. Kevan Smith is more of an offensive catcher. Their top catching prospect, Jack Kruger, is in Double-A and probably wouldn’t be ready next season. As for Garneau, clearly the Angels feel Stassi is a defensive upgrade. The Angels also have Stassi for three more seasons. It’s clear the Angels feel getting a defensive whiz behind the plate can help their pitchers, which is obviously a need. Stassi is perhaps a poor man’s version of Martín Maldonado, who had also been a backup catcher known an elite defender without much success at the plate when the Angels got him.
Q: What is the plan with Lucroy, Smith, and Stassi all out of options? — @ZacharyMLang
A: That’s an excellent question. I don’t know the answer, but we’ll find out by Friday, when the Angels will have to add Stassi to the 25-man roster. The Angels won’t have three catchers on the roster, and they can’t option any of them. So either one is going on the injured list – and none were hurt as of Wednesday – or one of them is going to be gone. Obviously, the Angels just got Stassi, so the choice will be between Lucroy and Smith. The Angels have viewed Lucroy as the starter when both have been healthy, but Smith is the one who is still under control beyond this season.
Q: Jeff, will they at least spend huge in offseason for an actual ACE?  (Madison) Bumgarner?? They are wasting Mike Trout’s prime years… — @irishzorro2010
A: Eppler has said that spending on free agents has to be coordinated with the development of the rest of the team, and the young core is actually going to be in better shape this winter than in previous years. Young players like David Fletcher, Luís Rengifo, Griffin Canning, José Suarez,  Jaime Barría and Ty Buttrey will all be making around the big league minimum next year, with Jo Adell likely also in the mix. Last winter, the Angels didn’t have any minimum-salary players they could comfortably pencil in to prominent roles. So instead of having to spread their payroll to fill five or six holes, they can use it for two or three. That means aiming for better players. Obviously, pitching is their primary need. All of that is a long-winded way of saying, yes, I expect the Angels to compete at the top of the free-agent pitching market, starting with Gerrit Cole, who is a native of Orange County.
Q: Will they still be be afraid and refuse to break the luxury tax threshold in the off-season?? That seems to be the exact reason they go dumpster diving every winter. They need to do whatever it takes to A. Bring Gerrit Cole home and B. sign a second top line starter (ie. Hyun-Jin Ryu /Bumgarner) — @TheRealArt_B
A: Just two teams exceeded the luxury tax threshold in 2018. The Angels payroll, depending on how you calculate it, is around the top quarter of major league teams. Plus, as I said in the previous answer, Eppler is more interested in spending when it can make a difference. If a team has a 75-win core of young players, you can’t just throw money at it and add a bunch of 30-year-old free agents and make it a 90-win team. If you have an 85-win core, you can add a couple free agents to get above 90.
Q: Will Fletcher, Rengifo and Andrelton Simmons be our everyday infield next season? — @RePLAY619
Q: Does Zack Cozart get another chance to be an everyday player next year for the Angels? Or have the young guys (Fletcher, Rengifo, Taylor Ward, Matt Thaiss, etc) done enough to push Cozart off the roster? — Greg Luttrell
A: These questions obviously are worth being combined. As for Cozart, he is not going anywhere this winter. The Angels are going to have to pay him, so they may as well bring him to spring training and see if his most recent shoulder surgery has helped make him an effective player again, even if that’s as a bench player. If not, they now have more alternatives than they did last year or even at the start of this season, thanks to the development of Fletcher, Rengifo and Tommy La Stella. So I expect them to go into spring training Simmons at shortstop and Fletcher, Rengifo, La Stella and Cozart all in the mix for playing time at second and third. Whoever plays the best will play.
Q: With the Albert Pujols contract running through 2021 and the emergence of Thaiss looking like a Major Leaguer and (Shohei) Ohtani being the obvious DH, what do the Angels do with the situation? Pujols is the obvious out but it’s tough to let 25M sit on the bench all year for multiple seasons. — @LTBU271
A: First, it’s a little early to say Thaiss has established himself as a major league player after 49 plate appearances. Like the Cozart situation, this is one the Angels can let play out on the field. Unless the Angels trade Thaiss or Pujols unexpectedly retires, they will have both players in spring training, and they will play according to their production. The Angels also still may have Justin Bour, who is arbitration eligible. Don’t forget that Ohtani will be pitching next season, which will open up the DH spot more often for Pujols or anyone else. Plus, next year rosters are expanding to 26, which makes it a little easier to carry any position player who isn’t playing as much.
Q: Any idea what’s the plan for Ohtani next year. He’s really turning into a great hitter but I think he needs consistent at bats not just hitting 3 times a week. — @CesarCM13
A: This is a good question. Since Ohtani still has a ways to go in his pitching rehab, it’s a little early for the Angels to figure out if they want him pitching once a week, as they did last year, or on a normal five-day rotation, like other starters. It’ll probably be something in between. If he pitches once a week, and gets the day off before and after, that’s four days a week at the plate. However, as he gets going and they get more comfortable with what he can handle physically, I would not be surprised to see them let him hit the day after he pitches. It’s tougher to let him hit the day before, because if he gets hurt they’d be in a bind for a starting pitcher the next day.
Q: Chances Jo Adell is called up this season and how soon? — @d_leyco
A: Adell has cooled off at Double-A lately. Also, Eppler said he sees value in players going to Triple-A. Even though the raw talent at Double-A is similar to Triple-A, the players at the higher level have more big league experience and provide a different challenge to help add polish to a prospect. If Adell doesn’t get called up to Triple-A within the next week or so, I doubt he’s going to be up in the majors at all this year, although it is still possible. Another factor to consider is that the Angels don’t need to add him to the 40-man roster this winter, so if they bring him up this season, then he’s going to take up a spot all winter that could have otherwise gone to someone else. Each year that the Angels system gets deeper, their 40-man roster gets a little tighter.
Q: Out of all our top prospects, including those who graduated this year (Canning, Rengifo, Buttrey) who would you say is expandable? I know Eppler said he tried to trade from the surplus of position players. Just curious if they value some over others, say Thaiss over Rengifo or Fletcher? — Ruben J. Rosas
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ANAHEIM — Having managed Justin Upton in Detroit, Brad Ausmus has an idea what it takes to get him out of a slump.
So the Angels manager filled out his lineup without Upton for the second time in three games on Tuesday, with no guarantee that he’ll be back on Wednesday.
Ausmus said he and Upton talked after Monday’s game and reflected on a similar slump he had when he was playing for Ausmus in Detroit.
“Having gone through it, I think he understands that taking a step back, and working on the mechanics of the hitting or his approach as a hitter in the box, doing that and not having to deal with in-game at-bats right away can sometimes speed the process,” Ausmus said Tuesday.
Ausmus said they’d talk again to see if Upton was ready to play on Wednesday.
Upton is hitless in his last nine at-bats, and hitting .160 with a .534 OPS over his last 59 plate appearances. On Monday night, he struck out with one out and the bases loaded in a one-run game that the Angels lost.
Afterward, he explained that he’s simply not swinging at the right pitches.
“You have to start seeing the ball better,” Upton said. “The game sped up on me. When teams know they don’t have to make perfect pitches against you, they make perfect pitches. It’s one of those things where I have to start seeing the ball better and get the barrel on it.”
Upton missed most of spring training with a knee issue and then he missed the first two and a half months of the season with a sprained toe. When he returned, he initially performed to his career averages for about two weeks, but for about three weeks since, it’s been a struggle.
Brian Goodwin got the start in left field in Upton’s absence on Tuesday night.
OHTANI SLUMPING TOO
Shohei Ohtani came into Tuesday’s game with a .218 average and .671 OPS since the All-Star break, with just one homer.
Neither Ohtani nor Ausmus sounded worried, though.
“I actually don’t feel as bad as the recent results suggest,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “I feel like I’m hitting the ball pretty well. I’m seeing the ball well. I’m making hard contact. I’m just hitting it right at the guys. I need to make some adjustments.”
Ohtani’s average exit velocity is 93.2 mph, which is among the league leaders and slightly better than his 92.6 mph from last year. The problem is he’s hitting more balls on the ground, as his average launch angle has dropped from 12.3 degrees to 5.6 degrees.
On Monday night, he blistered a ball at 114 mph, but it one-hopped to the second baseman for a double play.
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ALSO
As expected, the Angels activated JC Ramírez, 469 days after he underwent Tommy John surgery. “I’m nervous,” Ramírez said before the game. “It’s like my first day in the big leagues.” The Angels plan to start Ramírez in some low-leverage spots, using him as a multi-inning reliever. The Angels designated left-hander Adam McCreery for assignment to create spots for Ramírez on the 25- and 40-man rosters. …
Andrew Heaney is set to have a bullpen session on Friday, if he continues progressing well in rehab from a shoulder injury, Ausmus said. Ausmus said it’s possible that Heaney could make a rehab appearance as soon as next week. …
The Hall of Fame has received several artifacts from the Angels’ July 12 no-hitter, in which they honored Tyler Skaggs. Taylor Cole and Félix Peña, who combined to pitch the no-hitter, donated their caps. Catcher Dustin Garneau signed a game ball, along with Peña and Cole. Heaney donated his No. 45 jersey. Having the items go to the Hall of Fame was “unbelievable,” Cole said. “It’s cool because it’s a team thing.” Added Garneau: “It’s pretty surreal. It’s still crazy to think how all that happened.”
UP NEXT
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ANAHEIM — Jonathan Lucroy might be returning to the Angels in a few days.
Lucroy, who suffered a broken nose and a concussion in a frightening home plate collision on July 7 in Houston, has been cleared through the concussion protocol and will begin a rehab assignment on Friday at Class-A Inland Empire.
Manager Brad Ausmus said Lucroy might only need “a couple” games in the minors, catching five to seven innings in the first and nine in the second.
Lucroy went through a full on-field workout on Thursday, doing some hitting, catching and baserunning.
“If it was up to me, I’d have been playing last week,” said Lucroy, who just nine days earlier had a procedure to repair his nose.
TO OPEN OR NOT?
Jaime Barría has made no secret of the fact that he prefers to start in the first inning, rather than pitching after an opener.
“I believe I am more of a starter,” Barría said through an interpreter after giving up one run in five innings as a traditional starter on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. “Coming in after somebody else, I haven’t really done it in the past. I definitely feel more comfortable coming in in the first inning.”
The numbers back him up. In three games pitching after an opener, Barría has allowed 18 runs in 10-2/3 innings. He also pitched two games as a more traditional reliever, entering after the fifth, and he allowed two runs in 7-2/3 innings in those games.
In four games as a starter, he has allowed eight runs in 20 innings, a 3.60 ERA. Last year he had a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts.
Ausmus said the sample is too small to really determine if the role is the reason that Barría has struggled at times this year, although he also didn’t rule it out.
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ALSO
The Angels optioned third baseman Taylor Ward to create a roster spot for José Suarez, who came up to pitch on Thursday night. …
Starting pitcher Andrew Heaney, who is on the injured list with a shoulder problem, resumed throwing on Thursday. The next steps of his rehab will be determined based on how he feels. …
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons was not in the lineup on Thursday. Ausmus said it was a routine day off.
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ross Stripling throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, left, scores on a double by Kole Calhoun as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes stands at the plate during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Brad Ausmus #12 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates the run of Mike Trout #27 from a Kole Calhoun #56 double, for a 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Angels’ Kole Calhoun, second from left, rounds first after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ross Stripling, left, watches during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Angels’ Kole Calhoun, center, is congratulated by Albert Pujols, left, after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes stands at the plate during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates his solo homerun in the dugout, to take a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jaime Barria throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner, center, hits a solo home run as Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jaime Barria, left, and catcher Kevan Smith watch during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner, right, rounds third after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jaime Barria steps off the mound during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner, left, is congratulated by Cody Bellinger after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his solo homerun with Cody Bellinger #35 behind Kevan Smith #44 of the Los Angeles Angels, to trail 2-1, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger bats during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Angels third baseman David Fletcher throws out Los Angeles Dodgers’ A.J. Pollock during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: David Fletcher #6 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates his run with Kole Calhoun #56, to take a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his run with Matt Beaty #45, to trail the Los Angeles Angels 3-2, during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Cam Bedrosian #32 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to the third out of the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Andrelton Simmons #2 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his throw to complete a double play to end the inning over Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts after his swing in front of Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his walk during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda, left, of Japan, and Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, greet each other prior to a baseball game, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda, left, of Japan, and Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, talk prior to a baseball game, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels speaks with Kenta Maeda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers before the game at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Tennis player Naomi Osaka, left, smiles after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda, of Japan, prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Expand LOS ANGELES — With trouble seemingly waiting around every corner through the Dodgers lineup, the Angels survived.
Despite holding back their best reliever, who had thrown 30 pitches the night before, the Angels used five relievers in a 3-2 victory over the Dodgers, sweeping the season series against their Southern California neighbors for the first time in 23 seasons of interleague play.
The Angels won all four games, none by more than two runs.
In this victory, their offense mostly came from Kole Calhoun – who had a home run and two doubles for the second night in a row – and then they hung on with four innings of relief with a slim margin.
They didn’t even use Ty Buttrey, who had recorded five outs in Tuesday night’s victory.
Taylor Cole, normally a long reliever or opener, escaped a jam in the seventh. After walking two, he got Max Muncy to hit into a double play, prompting Muncy to slam his helmet into the turf.
In the eighth, Cam Bedrosian faced the minimum after allowing a leadoff single to Justin Turner. Bedrosian, who came into the game holding lefties to a .157 average, struck out Cody Bellinger looking.
After Bedrosian got A.J. Pollock to hit into a double play, Bellinger came out to voice his displeasure to plate ump Dan Iassogna, who ejected him.
In the ninth, Hansel Robles worked a scoreless inning to get the Angels (54-49) to five games over .500 for the first time this season.
The Dodgers also had two players leave the game with injuries.
Ross Stripling left the game after five innings with a stiff neck, and infielder Kiké Hernandez came out with left hand soreness. Hernandez tweaked his hand on a swing in the fourth inning.
Stripling and Angels starter Jaime Barría each pitched five innings, with Barría’s one-run performance showing an impressive bounceback.
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Barría gave up three hits and he walked two, despite often pitching behind in the count. When Barría retired Muncy on a grounder to end the fifth, Barria slammed his fist into his glove as he walked off the mound. Barría headed for the dugout with a 2-1 lead, thanks mostly to Calhoun.
In the first inning, Calhoun ripped a double down the right-field line, driving in Mike Trout from first base.
Calhoun drilled a homer on the first pitch he saw from Stripling in the fourth inning.
Stripling then retired the next five hitters before the neck injury forced him out of the game. It was the third straight start in which Stripling had worked exactly five innings, allowing two earned runs or fewer. He has a 4.67 ERA in six starts since the Dodgers put him back in the rotation.
After Stripling came out, trailing 2-1, the Angels tacked on an unearned run against JT Chargois.
David Fletcher led off the sixth with a single. While Trout was up, Fletcher took off for second, and Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes threw the ball into center field, sending Fletcher to third. Trout then drove him in with a fly ball to left.
The Dodgers got that run back in the bottom of the inning, when Corey Seager had an RBI single against left-hander Adalberto Mejia. Seager came into the game hitting .221 with a .596 OPS against lefties.
More to come on this story.
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Multiple Angels position players continue to post video-game numbers down on the farm, with Jose Rojas continuing to be an absolute force and a hotlist stalwart. A couple new names break into the top this edition, including an unexpected outfielder. On the other side, the Angels pitching performances have shifted as summer takes hold, with early season dominance exhibited by many having waned, now giving way to steady, continued solid production from numerous young arms.
1) Jose Rojas – 1B/3B/DH, AAA Salt Lake: 
A hotlist mainstay this year, Jose Rojas’ recent play might just be the most impressive two-weeks yet. Following a stint where he played DH primarily, Rojas returned to the field, splitting time at 1B/3B evenly with DH, as well as a quick appearance at 2B and even on the mound, pitching one scoreless and allowing one hit and one walk in a tight game. Perhaps this return to the field hints at an imminent call-up, as Rojas’ defense has long been the shortcoming for his MLB viability. But enough about all that. Let’s talk about what Rojas did at the plate, slashing .490/.544/.941/1.485 with 8 doubles, 5 homers (13 extra base hits) in 57 plate appearances, coupled with a respectable six walks to 11 strikeouts. Jose Rojas is now second in the Pacific Coast League in total bases (225), which is more than top prospects (who have similar playing time) such as Isan Diaz (198), Kyle Tucker (193), and Mauricio Dubon (178). At this point, it’s likely only a matter of time before Rojas makes his MLB debut, either in Anaheim or elsewhere, packaged in a trade for pitching.
2019 hitting (SLC, AAA): .317/.383/.615/.997 with 33 doubles, 5 triples, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 42 BB, 93 K in 90 G/413 PA
2) Taylor Ward – LF, AAA Salt Lake:
It’s getting difficult to find new things to say about Taylor Ward’s AAA production – will it ever translate to MLB success? The combination of contact, power, and plate discipline offers a lot of evidence that there’s something there, and it might come down to which team – the Angels or otherwise – will give Taylor the full season or so of consistent playing time to see if it’s true. Playing exclusively left field over the last two weeks, Ward’s signature AAA production continued, as he slashed .367/.426/.735/1.161 with six doubles and four homers, while swiping two bags and walking four times versus nine strikeouts. Like Rojas, Ward’s defensive liabilities might make an Anaheim future hazy, so he too could find himself mentioned in trade talks in the next ten days.
2019 (SLC, AAA.): .305/.418/.608/1.026 with 28 doubles, 22 HR, 57 RBI, 54 BB, 74 K in 78 G/374 PA
3) Jeremiah Jackson – 2B/SS, Rookie Orem:
Jackson added his third and fourth two-homer games to his season in the last two weeks, and hit a total of five over the last two weeks, leading him to a SLG-heavy slash of .283/.306/.696/1.002. Discipline continues to be a bit of an issue for the young infielder, as he drew only two walks to sixteen strikeouts, but the power is real, even if aided by the hitting-friendly environs of the Pioneer League. Hitless in only three games the last two weeks, Jackson at least compliments his raw power and iffy discipline with good contact skills and has yet to be a defensive liability. Grouped with other young infielders like Wilson, Soto, Maitan, and Rondon, the Angels might have a new wave developing in the lower ranks to match up with the Rengifo, Fletcher, Ward, Thaiss, Walsh, Rojas wave currently impacting SLC/Anaheim.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .254/.331/.595/.926 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 27 RBI, 16 BB, 51 K in 31 G/145 PA
4) Brennon Lund – RF/CF, AAA Salt Lake:
Often forgotten among Angels outfield prospects, overshadowed by the much flashier names with louder tools, Brennon Lund is a name often omitted when discussing future OF plans. A pedestrian debut at AAA Salt Lake (hitting .177 in his first 33 games/140 plate appearances) did nothing to help that, but since May 19th, Lund had quietly put together perhaps the best season by an Angel outfielder not named Adell, slashing .328/.388/.556/.943 over 51 games and 214 plate appearances. The last two weeks, that trend has been maintained, as Lund slashed .372/.413/.581/.994 with five doubles, two triples, drawing three walks against seven strikeouts. Sound defensively at all three outfield positions and equipped with decent offensive skills across the board (contact, discipline, little bit of speed, little bit of pop) Lund is due to be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter, giving him a decent chance at being added to the 40-man. Paired with the more high-risk/high-reward Hermosillo, the two should make up a solid 4th/5th OF rotation for the Angels next year – should neither be dealt for pitching help.
2019 (SLC, AAA): .268/.339/.447/.786 with 22 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 85 K in 84 G/356 PA
5) Adrian Rondon – IF,  Rookie Orem/A Burlington:
Rondon has kept pace since his appearance on last edition of the hotlist, as the infielder also earned a promotion to Low-A Burlington. Playing mostly 3B, Rondon has played second at both games in Burlington, and picked up a game at SS and 1B while in Orem. What’s kept Rondon on the list though is his offense, which continues to progress, giving the Angels some hope he might be realizing the potential that made him one of the best international amateur talents a few years back. Slashing .348/.362/.630/.992 with six extra-base hits (2 doubles, a triple, and three homers), Rondon continues to display a strong, balanced offensive approach. Burlington will be a test for the young infielder as he moves away from hitter-friendly Orem, but a strong showing could vault him back into the lower-hald of the Angels Top 30 – if not higher.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk./A): .328/.383/.552/.935 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 11 BB, 21 K in 31 G/128 PA
6) Will Wilson – SS/2B, Rookie Orem:
Eight straight multi-hit games lifted Orem infielder Will Wilson to a .396/.420/.563/.983 slash over the last two weeks (he’s hit .486 during the streak), highlighting the strong offensive profile that led the Angels to pick Wilson in the the first round of the 2019 draft. Being a little advanced for the league, Wilson might soon find himself alongside Adrian Rondon in Burlington for a look at more age-appropriate talent, and continued strong performance there could even place Wilson in A+ Inland Empire to start 2020, giving him a potential Anaheim arrival as early as 2021. Wilson hasn’t produced the best BB:K ratio through ~100 plate appearances, though this is likely only a product of being aggressive while swinging the bat well.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk.): .337/.378/.522/.899 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 BB, 19 K in 22 G/98 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Kaleb Cowart (3B/RHP, AAA): .350/.386/.625/1.011 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 4 K and 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K in two relief appearances 
Jack Kruger (C, AA): .370/.433/.556/.989 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 BB, 6 K – sorely needed hot streak for both the Angels and the prospect
Jared Walsh (1B/LHP, AAA): .314/.429/.829/1.257 with 3 2B, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K, plus IP, K – SLC/Anaheim shuttling cost him some PAs to rank, otherwise he might have been Top 5
Gareth Morgan (OF, A+): .283/.313/.652/.965 with 2 2B, 5 HR, only 2 BB to 27 K 
Wilfredo Tovar (SS,  AAA): .378/.404/.556/.960 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
Spencer Griffin (OF, A): .310/.383/.571/.954 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 12 K – continues to put together a semi-breakout season
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .310/.419/.520/.939 with 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – good defense and occasional good bat could still lead to a UT IF role
Julio De La Cruz (2B/3B, AZL Rk.): .333/.419/.472/.891 with 5 doubles, 4 BB, 13 K – 18-year old IF playing first stateside games, occasional flashes of good contact, discipline, and power for age
Jo Adell (OF, AA): .275/.370/.500/.870 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K since MLB Futures Game
7) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Three more solid games for the Angels’ 2018 4th rounder in his debut season, a year that will probably see Bradish locking himself into a spot onto various publications ‘Top 30 Prospects’ for the Halos, perhaps placing Bradish in the conversation for MLB action as early as 2020 in a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role. Across these most recent three appearances, Bradish posted a 2.16 ERA and .190 BAA in 16.1 IP, allowing only three walks to 19 strikeouts. Bradish has only allowed more than 4 runs in an appearance once, kept the ball in the yard (only 6 HR allowed in HR-friendly California League), and has that blend of decent GB% (46%) and swinging strike (15%) that Eppler likes, a little similarly to what the Angels had hoped to get from Trevor Cahill. Bradish might earn a AA promotion before the season is out, and is likely to start 2020 there.
2019 (A+): 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 91 K across 71 IP in 17 G/11 GS
8) Oliver Ortega – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
While Ortega’s most recent three appearances do not come with the shiny ERA we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him – 4.41 ERA in his last 16.1 innings – the peripherals continue to indicate Ortega’s development and rapidly improving stuff. The righty fanned 22 in those 16.1 innings, allowing 5 walks and 10 hits (.172 BAA), giving him an organization-leading 112 strikeouts and and K/9 rate of 11.7. Having only allowed 62 hits on the season, Ortega’s ability to limit hits and rack up strikeouts could fast-track the 22-year old to Anaheim next season as a multi-inning reliever, much like Luis Madero. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this offseason, the Angels will need to protect him on the 40-man, a move which is seeming increasingly certain.
2019 (A+): 3.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, .201 BAA, 42 BB, 112 K across 86.1 IP in 19 G/14 GS
9) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA Mobile:
Beasley continues to do Matt Shoemaker things in AA Mobile, a skill which keeps him in the 2020 mix for a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role with the Angels. Beasley worked three more starts, posting a 3.14 ERA and .241 BAA in 14.1 IP, walking four, striking out 13. One poor start – 7 ER on May 10th – has been Beasley’s only real blemish on the year. With that start removed, he has posted an incredibly strong 3.02 ERA in essentially 18 starts. Overall, his 19 ‘starts’ (one was a tandem-relief appearance) leads the Angels organization, a sign of Beasley’s resiliency. Not eligible for the Rule 5 until after the 2020 season, Beasley will likely continue to percolate in the minors as he doesn’t come with the pedigree of other prospects, but once he reaches AAA, a strong showing could change those opinions.
2019 (AA): 3.61 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, .253 BAA, 34 BB, 83 K across 89.2 IP in 19 G/18 GS
10) Kyle Tyler – RHP, A Burlington:
A 20th round pick in last year’s draft, Kyle Tyler has never drawn much attention as an Angels farmhand, until a string of solid performances placed him on the last edition of the prospect hotlist. Since then, he’s done nothing but continue to impress, delivering two more appearances totaling 12 IP, only allowing three hits, six walks, zero runs, and striking out nine. Going back to June 7th, Tyler has posted an eye-popping 1.19 ERA across nearly 40 innings, only allowing 20 hits in that time – good for a .156 BAA. In fact, Tyler has been quietly ‘dominant’ this season – in essentially 17 ‘starts’ (multi-inning RP/tandem starter) he has allowed six runs three times, three runs twice, and then zero or one run in the other twelve games. While he doesn’t post big strikeout numbers – only 71 in 83.1 IP – and only a 12% strike-swinging rate, it’s fair to say Tyler has probably been the lucky recipient of some good luck and defense, but a .195 BAA on the season is hard to ignore as the summer continues on.
2019 (A): 2.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .19% BAA, 29 BB, 71 K across 83.1 IP in 17 G/12 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Travis Herrin (RHP, A+): 10.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K, 0.87 ERA in 2 games – has had a few good stretches on the year and worth watching
Hector Yan (LHP, A): 9.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, 4.82 ERA in 2 games – the lefty continues to post gaudy strikeout rates
Cole Duensing (RHP, A): 9.1 IP, 7 H, 7 BB, 8 K, 3.86 ERA in 2 GS – still has control struggles, but a big turnaround year continues to go Duensing’s way
Nate Bertness (LHP, A+): 9 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K, 2.00 ERA in 4 games – 6’6″ lefty has moved to relief, K/9 has jumped from 7.8 to 10.7
Jennry Gonzalez (LHP, AZL Rk.): 9 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 13 K, 2.00 ERA in 2 games – 18-year old lefty worth watching in first pro seasons stateside
Parker Bridwell (RHP, AAA): 13 IP, 17 H, 2 BB, 9 K, 3.46 ERA – because the Angels just can’t quit him and there’s always a need in the rotation
Matt Leon (RHP, Orem Rk.): 16 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 14 K, 3.38 ERA in 3 GS  – a little old for league, but pitching well after demotion from Burlington
Cooper Criswell (RHP, A+): 10 IP, 11 H, 3 BB, 6 HR, 3.60 ERA – improving as year goes on; April/May: 5.45 ERA 38 IP, 31 K June/July: 4.08 ERA, 35.1 IP, 37 K 
Clayton Chatham (RHP, A): 9.2 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 10 K, 0.00 ERA – 6’6″ RHP has a 1.99 ERA, .158 BAA across 22 IP against younger competition
Robinson Pina (RHP, A): 10 IP, 10 H, 6 BB, 13 K, 5.40 ERA – an even 100 strikeouts on the year now for the 20-year, in only 79.1 IP
Zack Kelly (RHP, AA):  10.1 IP, 10 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 3.48 ERA – converted to rotation in May, 3.93 ERA, .257 BAA, 52 K in 52 innings, only 2 HR allowed
View the full article

By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Multiple Angels position players continue to post video-game numbers down on the farm, with Jose Rojas continuing to be an absolute force and a hotlist stalwart. A couple new names break into the top this edition, including an unexpected outfielder. On the other side, the Angels pitching performances have shifted as summer takes hold, with early season dominance exhibited by many having waned, now giving way to steady, continued solid production from numerous young arms.
1) Jose Rojas – 1B/3B/DH, AAA Salt Lake: 
A hotlist mainstay this year, Jose Rojas’ recent play might just be the most impressive two-weeks yet. Following a stint where he played DH primarily, Rojas returned to the field, splitting time at 1B/3B evenly with DH, as well as a quick appearance at 2B and even on the mound, pitching one scoreless and allowing one hit and one walk in a tight game. Perhaps this return to the field hints at an imminent call-up, as Rojas’ defense has long been the shortcoming for his MLB viability. But enough about all that. Let’s talk about what Rojas did at the plate, slashing .490/.544/.941/1.485 with 8 doubles, 5 homers (13 extra base hits) in 57 plate appearances, coupled with a respectable six walks to 11 strikeouts. Jose Rojas is now second in the Pacific Coast League in total bases (225), which is more than top prospects (who have similar playing time) such as Isan Diaz (198), Kyle Tucker (193), and Mauricio Dubon (178). At this point, it’s likely only a matter of time before Rojas makes his MLB debut, either in Anaheim or elsewhere, packaged in a trade for pitching.
2019 hitting (SLC, AAA): .317/.383/.615/.997 with 33 doubles, 5 triples, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 42 BB, 93 K in 90 G/413 PA
2) Taylor Ward – LF, AAA Salt Lake:
It’s getting difficult to find new things to say about Taylor Ward’s AAA production – will it ever translate to MLB success? The combination of contact, power, and plate discipline offers a lot of evidence that there’s something there, and it might come down to which team – the Angels or otherwise – will give Taylor the full season or so of consistent playing time to see if it’s true. Playing exclusively left field over the last two weeks, Ward’s signature AAA production continued, as he slashed .367/.426/.735/1.161 with six doubles and four homers, while swiping two bags and walking four times versus nine strikeouts. Like Rojas, Ward’s defensive liabilities might make an Anaheim future hazy, so he too could find himself mentioned in trade talks in the next ten days.
2019 (SLC, AAA.): .305/.418/.608/1.026 with 28 doubles, 22 HR, 57 RBI, 54 BB, 74 K in 78 G/374 PA
3) Jeremiah Jackson – 2B/SS, Rookie Orem:
Jackson added his third and fourth two-homer games to his season in the last two weeks, and hit a total of five over the last two weeks, leading him to a SLG-heavy slash of .283/.306/.696/1.002. Discipline continues to be a bit of an issue for the young infielder, as he drew only two walks to sixteen strikeouts, but the power is real, even if aided by the hitting-friendly environs of the Pioneer League. Hitless in only three games the last two weeks, Jackson at least compliments his raw power and iffy discipline with good contact skills and has yet to be a defensive liability. Grouped with other young infielders like Wilson, Soto, Maitan, and Rondon, the Angels might have a new wave developing in the lower ranks to match up with the Rengifo, Fletcher, Ward, Thaiss, Walsh, Rojas wave currently impacting SLC/Anaheim.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .254/.331/.595/.926 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 27 RBI, 16 BB, 51 K in 31 G/145 PA
4) Brennon Lund – RF/CF, AAA Salt Lake:
Often forgotten among Angels outfield prospects, overshadowed by the much flashier names with louder tools, Brennon Lund is a name often omitted when discussing future OF plans. A pedestrian debut at AAA Salt Lake (hitting .177 in his first 33 games/140 plate appearances) did nothing to help that, but since May 19th, Lund had quietly put together perhaps the best season by an Angel outfielder not named Adell, slashing .328/.388/.556/.943 over 51 games and 214 plate appearances. The last two weeks, that trend has been maintained, as Lund slashed .372/.413/.581/.994 with five doubles, two triples, drawing three walks against seven strikeouts. Sound defensively at all three outfield positions and equipped with decent offensive skills across the board (contact, discipline, little bit of speed, little bit of pop) Lund is due to be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter, giving him a decent chance at being added to the 40-man. Paired with the more high-risk/high-reward Hermosillo, the two should make up a solid 4th/5th OF rotation for the Angels next year – should neither be dealt for pitching help.
2019 (SLC, AAA): .268/.339/.447/.786 with 22 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 85 K in 84 G/356 PA
5) Adrian Rondon – IF,  Rookie Orem/A Burlington:
Rondon has kept pace since his appearance on last edition of the hotlist, as the infielder also earned a promotion to Low-A Burlington. Playing mostly 3B, Rondon has played second at both games in Burlington, and picked up a game at SS and 1B while in Orem. What’s kept Rondon on the list though is his offense, which continues to progress, giving the Angels some hope he might be realizing the potential that made him one of the best international amateur talents a few years back. Slashing .348/.362/.630/.992 with six extra-base hits (2 doubles, a triple, and three homers), Rondon continues to display a strong, balanced offensive approach. Burlington will be a test for the young infielder as he moves away from hitter-friendly Orem, but a strong showing could vault him back into the lower-hald of the Angels Top 30 – if not higher.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk./A): .328/.383/.552/.935 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 11 BB, 21 K in 31 G/128 PA
6) Will Wilson – SS/2B, Rookie Orem:
Eight straight multi-hit games lifted Orem infielder Will Wilson to a .396/.420/.563/.983 slash over the last two weeks (he’s hit .486 during the streak), highlighting the strong offensive profile that led the Angels to pick Wilson in the the first round of the 2019 draft. Being a little advanced for the league, Wilson might soon find himself alongside Adrian Rondon in Burlington for a look at more age-appropriate talent, and continued strong performance there could even place Wilson in A+ Inland Empire to start 2020, giving him a potential Anaheim arrival as early as 2021. Wilson hasn’t produced the best BB:K ratio through ~100 plate appearances, though this is likely only a product of being aggressive while swinging the bat well.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk.): .337/.378/.522/.899 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 BB, 19 K in 22 G/98 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Kaleb Cowart (3B/RHP, AAA): .350/.386/.625/1.011 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 4 K and 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K in two relief appearances 
Jack Kruger (C, AA): .370/.433/.556/.989 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 BB, 6 K – sorely needed hot streak for both the Angels and the prospect
Jared Walsh (1B/LHP, AAA): .314/.429/.829/1.257 with 3 2B, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K, plus IP, K – SLC/Anaheim shuttling cost him some PAs to rank, otherwise he might have been Top 5
Gareth Morgan (OF, A+): .283/.313/.652/.965 with 2 2B, 5 HR, only 2 BB to 27 K 
Wilfredo Tovar (SS,  AAA): .378/.404/.556/.960 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
Spencer Griffin (OF, A): .310/.383/.571/.954 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 12 K – continues to put together a semi-breakout season
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .310/.419/.520/.939 with 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – good defense and occasional good bat could still lead to a UT IF role
Julio De La Cruz (2B/3B, AZL Rk.): .333/.419/.472/.891 with 5 doubles, 4 BB, 13 K – 18-year old IF playing first stateside games, occasional flashes of good contact, discipline, and power for age
Jo Adell (OF, AA): .275/.370/.500/.870 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K since MLB Futures Game
7) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Three more solid games for the Angels’ 2018 4th rounder in his debut season, a year that will probably see Bradish locking himself into a spot onto various publications ‘Top 30 Prospects’ for the Halos, perhaps placing Bradish in the conversation for MLB action as early as 2020 in a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role. Across these most recent three appearances, Bradish posted a 2.16 ERA and .190 BAA in 16.1 IP, allowing only three walks to 19 strikeouts. Bradish has only allowed more than 4 runs in an appearance once, kept the ball in the yard (only 6 HR allowed in HR-friendly California League), and has that blend of decent GB% (46%) and swinging strike (15%) that Eppler likes, a little similarly to what the Angels had hoped to get from Trevor Cahill. Bradish might earn a AA promotion before the season is out, and is likely to start 2020 there.
2019 (A+): 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 91 K across 71 IP in 17 G/11 GS
8) Oliver Ortega – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
While Ortega’s most recent three appearances do not come with the shiny ERA we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him – 4.41 ERA in his last 16.1 innings – the peripherals continue to indicate Ortega’s development and rapidly improving stuff. The righty fanned 22 in those 16.1 innings, allowing 5 walks and 10 hits (.172 BAA), giving him an organization-leading 112 strikeouts and and K/9 rate of 11.7. Having only allowed 62 hits on the season, Ortega’s ability to limit hits and rack up strikeouts could fast-track the 22-year old to Anaheim next season as a multi-inning reliever, much like Luis Madero. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this offseason, the Angels will need to protect him on the 40-man, a move which is seeming increasingly certain.
2019 (A+): 3.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, .201 BAA, 42 BB, 112 K across 86.1 IP in 19 G/14 GS
9) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA Mobile:
Beasley continues to do Matt Shoemaker things in AA Mobile, a skill which keeps him in the 2020 mix for a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role with the Angels. Beasley worked three more starts, posting a 3.14 ERA and .241 BAA in 14.1 IP, walking four, striking out 13. One poor start – 7 ER on May 10th – has been Beasley’s only real blemish on the year. With that start removed, he has posted an incredibly strong 3.02 ERA in essentially 18 starts. Overall, his 19 ‘starts’ (one was a tandem-relief appearance) leads the Angels organization, a sign of Beasley’s resiliency. Not eligible for the Rule 5 until after the 2020 season, Beasley will likely continue to percolate in the minors as he doesn’t come with the pedigree of other prospects, but once he reaches AAA, a strong showing could change those opinions.
2019 (AA): 3.61 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, .253 BAA, 34 BB, 83 K across 89.2 IP in 19 G/18 GS
10) Kyle Tyler – RHP, A Burlington:
A 20th round pick in last year’s draft, Kyle Tyler has never drawn much attention as an Angels farmhand, until a string of solid performances placed him on the last edition of the prospect hotlist. Since then, he’s done nothing but continue to impress, delivering two more appearances totaling 12 IP, only allowing three hits, six walks, zero runs, and striking out nine. Going back to June 7th, Tyler has posted an eye-popping 1.19 ERA across nearly 40 innings, only allowing 20 hits in that time – good for a .156 BAA. In fact, Tyler has been quietly ‘dominant’ this season – in essentially 17 ‘starts’ (multi-inning RP/tandem starter) he has allowed six runs three times, three runs twice, and then zero or one run in the other twelve games. While he doesn’t post big strikeout numbers – only 71 in 83.1 IP – and only a 12% strike-swinging rate, it’s fair to say Tyler has probably been the lucky recipient of some good luck and defense, but a .195 BAA on the season is hard to ignore as the summer continues on.
2019 (A): 2.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .19% BAA, 29 BB, 71 K across 83.1 IP in 17 G/12 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Travis Herrin (RHP, A+): 10.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K, 0.87 ERA in 2 games – has had a few good stretches on the year and worth watching
Hector Yan (LHP, A): 9.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, 4.82 ERA in 2 games – the lefty continues to post gaudy strikeout rates
Cole Duensing (RHP, A): 9.1 IP, 7 H, 7 BB, 8 K, 3.86 ERA in 2 GS – still has control struggles, but a big turnaround year continues to go Duensing’s way
Nate Bertness (LHP, A+): 9 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K, 2.00 ERA in 4 games – 6’6″ lefty has moved to relief, K/9 has jumped from 7.8 to 10.7
Jennry Gonzalez (LHP, AZL Rk.): 9 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 13 K, 2.00 ERA in 2 games – 18-year old lefty worth watching in first pro seasons stateside
Parker Bridwell (RHP, AAA): 13 IP, 17 H, 2 BB, 9 K, 3.46 ERA – because the Angels just can’t quit him and there’s always a need in the rotation
Matt Leon (RHP, Orem Rk.): 16 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 14 K, 3.38 ERA in 3 GS  – a little old for league, but pitching well after demotion from Burlington
Cooper Criswell (RHP, A+): 10 IP, 11 H, 3 BB, 6 HR, 3.60 ERA – improving as year goes on; April/May: 5.45 ERA 38 IP, 31 K June/July: 4.08 ERA, 35.1 IP, 37 K 
Clayton Chatham (RHP, A): 9.2 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 10 K, 0.00 ERA – 6’6″ RHP has a 1.99 ERA, .158 BAA across 22 IP against younger competition
Robinson Pina (RHP, A): 10 IP, 10 H, 6 BB, 13 K, 5.40 ERA – an even 100 strikeouts on the year now for the 20-year, in only 79.1 IP
Zack Kelly (RHP, AA):  10.1 IP, 10 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 3.48 ERA – converted to rotation in May, 3.93 ERA, .257 BAA, 52 K in 52 innings, only 2 HR allowed
View the full article

By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Multiple Angels position players continue to post video-game numbers down on the farm, with Jose Rojas continuing to be an absolute force and a hotlist stalwart. A couple new names break into the top this edition, including an unexpected outfielder. On the other side, the Angels pitching performances have shifted as summer takes hold, with early season dominance exhibited by many having waned, now giving way to steady, continued solid production from numerous young arms.
1) Jose Rojas – 1B/3B/DH, AAA Salt Lake: 
A hotlist mainstay this year, Jose Rojas’ recent play might just be the most impressive two-weeks yet. Following a stint where he played DH primarily, Rojas returned to the field, splitting time at 1B/3B evenly with DH, as well as a quick appearance at 2B and even on the mound, pitching one scoreless and allowing one hit and one walk in a tight game. Perhaps this return to the field hints at an imminent call-up, as Rojas’ defense has long been the shortcoming for his MLB viability. But enough about all that. Let’s talk about what Rojas did at the plate, slashing .490/.544/.941/1.485 with 8 doubles, 5 homers (13 extra base hits) in 57 plate appearances, coupled with a respectable six walks to 11 strikeouts. Jose Rojas is now second in the Pacific Coast League in total bases (225), which is more than top prospects (who have similar playing time) such as Isan Diaz (198), Kyle Tucker (193), and Mauricio Dubon (178). At this point, it’s likely only a matter of time before Rojas makes his MLB debut, either in Anaheim or elsewhere, packaged in a trade for pitching.
2019 hitting (SLC, AAA): .317/.383/.615/.997 with 33 doubles, 5 triples, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 42 BB, 93 K in 90 G/413 PA
2) Taylor Ward – LF, AAA Salt Lake:
It’s getting difficult to find new things to say about Taylor Ward’s AAA production – will it ever translate to MLB success? The combination of contact, power, and plate discipline offers a lot of evidence that there’s something there, and it might come down to which team – the Angels or otherwise – will give Taylor the full season or so of consistent playing time to see if it’s true. Playing exclusively left field over the last two weeks, Ward’s signature AAA production continued, as he slashed .367/.426/.735/1.161 with six doubles and four homers, while swiping two bags and walking four times versus nine strikeouts. Like Rojas, Ward’s defensive liabilities might make an Anaheim future hazy, so he too could find himself mentioned in trade talks in the next ten days.
2019 (SLC, AAA.): .305/.418/.608/1.026 with 28 doubles, 22 HR, 57 RBI, 54 BB, 74 K in 78 G/374 PA
3) Jeremiah Jackson – 2B/SS, Rookie Orem:
Jackson added his third and fourth two-homer games to his season in the last two weeks, and hit a total of five over the last two weeks, leading him to a SLG-heavy slash of .283/.306/.696/1.002. Discipline continues to be a bit of an issue for the young infielder, as he drew only two walks to sixteen strikeouts, but the power is real, even if aided by the hitting-friendly environs of the Pioneer League. Hitless in only three games the last two weeks, Jackson at least compliments his raw power and iffy discipline with good contact skills and has yet to be a defensive liability. Grouped with other young infielders like Wilson, Soto, Maitan, and Rondon, the Angels might have a new wave developing in the lower ranks to match up with the Rengifo, Fletcher, Ward, Thaiss, Walsh, Rojas wave currently impacting SLC/Anaheim.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .254/.331/.595/.926 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 27 RBI, 16 BB, 51 K in 31 G/145 PA
4) Brennon Lund – RF/CF, AAA Salt Lake:
Often forgotten among Angels outfield prospects, overshadowed by the much flashier names with louder tools, Brennon Lund is a name often omitted when discussing future OF plans. A pedestrian debut at AAA Salt Lake (hitting .177 in his first 33 games/140 plate appearances) did nothing to help that, but since May 19th, Lund had quietly put together perhaps the best season by an Angel outfielder not named Adell, slashing .328/.388/.556/.943 over 51 games and 214 plate appearances. The last two weeks, that trend has been maintained, as Lund slashed .372/.413/.581/.994 with five doubles, two triples, drawing three walks against seven strikeouts. Sound defensively at all three outfield positions and equipped with decent offensive skills across the board (contact, discipline, little bit of speed, little bit of pop) Lund is due to be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter, giving him a decent chance at being added to the 40-man. Paired with the more high-risk/high-reward Hermosillo, the two should make up a solid 4th/5th OF rotation for the Angels next year – should neither be dealt for pitching help.
2019 (SLC, AAA): .268/.339/.447/.786 with 22 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 85 K in 84 G/356 PA
5) Adrian Rondon – IF,  Rookie Orem/A Burlington:
Rondon has kept pace since his appearance on last edition of the hotlist, as the infielder also earned a promotion to Low-A Burlington. Playing mostly 3B, Rondon has played second at both games in Burlington, and picked up a game at SS and 1B while in Orem. What’s kept Rondon on the list though is his offense, which continues to progress, giving the Angels some hope he might be realizing the potential that made him one of the best international amateur talents a few years back. Slashing .348/.362/.630/.992 with six extra-base hits (2 doubles, a triple, and three homers), Rondon continues to display a strong, balanced offensive approach. Burlington will be a test for the young infielder as he moves away from hitter-friendly Orem, but a strong showing could vault him back into the lower-hald of the Angels Top 30 – if not higher.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk./A): .328/.383/.552/.935 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 11 BB, 21 K in 31 G/128 PA
6) Will Wilson – SS/2B, Rookie Orem:
Eight straight multi-hit games lifted Orem infielder Will Wilson to a .396/.420/.563/.983 slash over the last two weeks (he’s hit .486 during the streak), highlighting the strong offensive profile that led the Angels to pick Wilson in the the first round of the 2019 draft. Being a little advanced for the league, Wilson might soon find himself alongside Adrian Rondon in Burlington for a look at more age-appropriate talent, and continued strong performance there could even place Wilson in A+ Inland Empire to start 2020, giving him a potential Anaheim arrival as early as 2021. Wilson hasn’t produced the best BB:K ratio through ~100 plate appearances, though this is likely only a product of being aggressive while swinging the bat well.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk.): .337/.378/.522/.899 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 BB, 19 K in 22 G/98 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Kaleb Cowart (3B/RHP, AAA): .350/.386/.625/1.011 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 4 K and 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K in two relief appearances 
Jack Kruger (C, AA): .370/.433/.556/.989 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 BB, 6 K – sorely needed hot streak for both the Angels and the prospect
Jared Walsh (1B/LHP, AAA): .314/.429/.829/1.257 with 3 2B, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K, plus IP, K – SLC/Anaheim shuttling cost him some PAs to rank, otherwise he might have been Top 5
Gareth Morgan (OF, A+): .283/.313/.652/.965 with 2 2B, 5 HR, only 2 BB to 27 K 
Wilfredo Tovar (SS,  AAA): .378/.404/.556/.960 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
Spencer Griffin (OF, A): .310/.383/.571/.954 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 12 K – continues to put together a semi-breakout season
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .310/.419/.520/.939 with 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – good defense and occasional good bat could still lead to a UT IF role
Julio De La Cruz (2B/3B, AZL Rk.): .333/.419/.472/.891 with 5 doubles, 4 BB, 13 K – 18-year old IF playing first stateside games, occasional flashes of good contact, discipline, and power for age
Jo Adell (OF, AA): .275/.370/.500/.870 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K since MLB Futures Game
7) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Three more solid games for the Angels’ 2018 4th rounder in his debut season, a year that will probably see Bradish locking himself into a spot onto various publications ‘Top 30 Prospects’ for the Halos, perhaps placing Bradish in the conversation for MLB action as early as 2020 in a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role. Across these most recent three appearances, Bradish posted a 2.16 ERA and .190 BAA in 16.1 IP, allowing only three walks to 19 strikeouts. Bradish has only allowed more than 4 runs in an appearance once, kept the ball in the yard (only 6 HR allowed in HR-friendly California League), and has that blend of decent GB% (46%) and swinging strike (15%) that Eppler likes, a little similarly to what the Angels had hoped to get from Trevor Cahill. Bradish might earn a AA promotion before the season is out, and is likely to start 2020 there.
2019 (A+): 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 91 K across 71 IP in 17 G/11 GS
8) Oliver Ortega – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
While Ortega’s most recent three appearances do not come with the shiny ERA we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him – 4.41 ERA in his last 16.1 innings – the peripherals continue to indicate Ortega’s development and rapidly improving stuff. The righty fanned 22 in those 16.1 innings, allowing 5 walks and 10 hits (.172 BAA), giving him an organization-leading 112 strikeouts and and K/9 rate of 11.7. Having only allowed 62 hits on the season, Ortega’s ability to limit hits and rack up strikeouts could fast-track the 22-year old to Anaheim next season as a multi-inning reliever, much like Luis Madero. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this offseason, the Angels will need to protect him on the 40-man, a move which is seeming increasingly certain.
2019 (A+): 3.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, .201 BAA, 42 BB, 112 K across 86.1 IP in 19 G/14 GS
9) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA Mobile:
Beasley continues to do Matt Shoemaker things in AA Mobile, a skill which keeps him in the 2020 mix for a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role with the Angels. Beasley worked three more starts, posting a 3.14 ERA and .241 BAA in 14.1 IP, walking four, striking out 13. One poor start – 7 ER on May 10th – has been Beasley’s only real blemish on the year. With that start removed, he has posted an incredibly strong 3.02 ERA in essentially 18 starts. Overall, his 19 ‘starts’ (one was a tandem-relief appearance) leads the Angels organization, a sign of Beasley’s resiliency. Not eligible for the Rule 5 until after the 2020 season, Beasley will likely continue to percolate in the minors as he doesn’t come with the pedigree of other prospects, but once he reaches AAA, a strong showing could change those opinions.
2019 (AA): 3.61 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, .253 BAA, 34 BB, 83 K across 89.2 IP in 19 G/18 GS
10) Kyle Tyler – RHP, A Burlington:
A 20th round pick in last year’s draft, Kyle Tyler has never drawn much attention as an Angels farmhand, until a string of solid performances placed him on the last edition of the prospect hotlist. Since then, he’s done nothing but continue to impress, delivering two more appearances totaling 12 IP, only allowing three hits, six walks, zero runs, and striking out nine. Going back to June 7th, Tyler has posted an eye-popping 1.19 ERA across nearly 40 innings, only allowing 20 hits in that time – good for a .156 BAA. In fact, Tyler has been quietly ‘dominant’ this season – in essentially 17 ‘starts’ (multi-inning RP/tandem starter) he has allowed six runs three times, three runs twice, and then zero or one run in the other twelve games. While he doesn’t post big strikeout numbers – only 71 in 83.1 IP – and only a 12% strike-swinging rate, it’s fair to say Tyler has probably been the lucky recipient of some good luck and defense, but a .195 BAA on the season is hard to ignore as the summer continues on.
2019 (A): 2.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .19% BAA, 29 BB, 71 K across 83.1 IP in 17 G/12 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Travis Herrin (RHP, A+): 10.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K, 0.87 ERA in 2 games – has had a few good stretches on the year and worth watching
Hector Yan (LHP, A): 9.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, 4.82 ERA in 2 games – the lefty continues to post gaudy strikeout rates
Cole Duensing (RHP, A): 9.1 IP, 7 H, 7 BB, 8 K, 3.86 ERA in 2 GS – still has control struggles, but a big turnaround year continues to go Duensing’s way
Nate Bertness (LHP, A+): 9 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K, 2.00 ERA in 4 games – 6’6″ lefty has moved to relief, K/9 has jumped from 7.8 to 10.7
Jennry Gonzalez (LHP, AZL Rk.): 9 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 13 K, 2.00 ERA in 2 games – 18-year old lefty worth watching in first pro seasons stateside
Parker Bridwell (RHP, AAA): 13 IP, 17 H, 2 BB, 9 K, 3.46 ERA – because the Angels just can’t quit him and there’s always a need in the rotation
Matt Leon (RHP, Orem Rk.): 16 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 14 K, 3.38 ERA in 3 GS  – a little old for league, but pitching well after demotion from Burlington
Cooper Criswell (RHP, A+): 10 IP, 11 H, 3 BB, 6 HR, 3.60 ERA – improving as year goes on; April/May: 5.45 ERA 38 IP, 31 K June/July: 4.08 ERA, 35.1 IP, 37 K 
Clayton Chatham (RHP, A): 9.2 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 10 K, 0.00 ERA – 6’6″ RHP has a 1.99 ERA, .158 BAA across 22 IP against younger competition
Robinson Pina (RHP, A): 10 IP, 10 H, 6 BB, 13 K, 5.40 ERA – an even 100 strikeouts on the year now for the 20-year, in only 79.1 IP
Zack Kelly (RHP, AA):  10.1 IP, 10 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 3.48 ERA – converted to rotation in May, 3.93 ERA, .257 BAA, 52 K in 52 innings, only 2 HR allowed
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Multiple Angels position players continue to post video-game numbers down on the farm, with Jose Rojas continuing to be an absolute force and a hotlist stalwart. A couple new names break into the top this edition, including an unexpected outfielder. On the other side, the Angels pitching performances have shifted as summer takes hold, with early season dominance exhibited by many having waned, now giving way to steady, continued solid production from numerous young arms.
1) Jose Rojas – 1B/3B/DH, AAA Salt Lake: 
A hotlist mainstay this year, Jose Rojas’ recent play might just be the most impressive two-weeks yet. Following a stint where he played DH primarily, Rojas returned to the field, splitting time at 1B/3B evenly with DH, as well as a quick appearance at 2B and even on the mound, pitching one scoreless and allowing one hit and one walk in a tight game. Perhaps this return to the field hints at an imminent call-up, as Rojas’ defense has long been the shortcoming for his MLB viability. But enough about all that. Let’s talk about what Rojas did at the plate, slashing .490/.544/.941/1.485 with 8 doubles, 5 homers (13 extra base hits) in 57 plate appearances, coupled with a respectable six walks to 11 strikeouts. Jose Rojas is now second in the Pacific Coast League in total bases (225), which is more than top prospects (who have similar playing time) such as Isan Diaz (198), Kyle Tucker (193), and Mauricio Dubon (178). At this point, it’s likely only a matter of time before Rojas makes his MLB debut, either in Anaheim or elsewhere, packaged in a trade for pitching.
2019 hitting (SLC, AAA): .317/.383/.615/.997 with 33 doubles, 5 triples, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 42 BB, 93 K in 90 G/413 PA
2) Taylor Ward – LF, AAA Salt Lake:
It’s getting difficult to find new things to say about Taylor Ward’s AAA production – will it ever translate to MLB success? The combination of contact, power, and plate discipline offers a lot of evidence that there’s something there, and it might come down to which team – the Angels or otherwise – will give Taylor the full season or so of consistent playing time to see if it’s true. Playing exclusively left field over the last two weeks, Ward’s signature AAA production continued, as he slashed .367/.426/.735/1.161 with six doubles and four homers, while swiping two bags and walking four times versus nine strikeouts. Like Rojas, Ward’s defensive liabilities might make an Anaheim future hazy, so he too could find himself mentioned in trade talks in the next ten days.
2019 (SLC, AAA.): .305/.418/.608/1.026 with 28 doubles, 22 HR, 57 RBI, 54 BB, 74 K in 78 G/374 PA
3) Jeremiah Jackson – 2B/SS, Rookie Orem:
Jackson added his third and fourth two-homer games to his season in the last two weeks, and hit a total of five over the last two weeks, leading him to a SLG-heavy slash of .283/.306/.696/1.002. Discipline continues to be a bit of an issue for the young infielder, as he drew only two walks to sixteen strikeouts, but the power is real, even if aided by the hitting-friendly environs of the Pioneer League. Hitless in only three games the last two weeks, Jackson at least compliments his raw power and iffy discipline with good contact skills and has yet to be a defensive liability. Grouped with other young infielders like Wilson, Soto, Maitan, and Rondon, the Angels might have a new wave developing in the lower ranks to match up with the Rengifo, Fletcher, Ward, Thaiss, Walsh, Rojas wave currently impacting SLC/Anaheim.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .254/.331/.595/.926 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 27 RBI, 16 BB, 51 K in 31 G/145 PA
4) Brennon Lund – RF/CF, AAA Salt Lake:
Often forgotten among Angels outfield prospects, overshadowed by the much flashier names with louder tools, Brennon Lund is a name often omitted when discussing future OF plans. A pedestrian debut at AAA Salt Lake (hitting .177 in his first 33 games/140 plate appearances) did nothing to help that, but since May 19th, Lund had quietly put together perhaps the best season by an Angel outfielder not named Adell, slashing .328/.388/.556/.943 over 51 games and 214 plate appearances. The last two weeks, that trend has been maintained, as Lund slashed .372/.413/.581/.994 with five doubles, two triples, drawing three walks against seven strikeouts. Sound defensively at all three outfield positions and equipped with decent offensive skills across the board (contact, discipline, little bit of speed, little bit of pop) Lund is due to be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter, giving him a decent chance at being added to the 40-man. Paired with the more high-risk/high-reward Hermosillo, the two should make up a solid 4th/5th OF rotation for the Angels next year – should neither be dealt for pitching help.
2019 (SLC, AAA): .268/.339/.447/.786 with 22 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 85 K in 84 G/356 PA
5) Adrian Rondon – IF,  Rookie Orem/A Burlington:
Rondon has kept pace since his appearance on last edition of the hotlist, as the infielder also earned a promotion to Low-A Burlington. Playing mostly 3B, Rondon has played second at both games in Burlington, and picked up a game at SS and 1B while in Orem. What’s kept Rondon on the list though is his offense, which continues to progress, giving the Angels some hope he might be realizing the potential that made him one of the best international amateur talents a few years back. Slashing .348/.362/.630/.992 with six extra-base hits (2 doubles, a triple, and three homers), Rondon continues to display a strong, balanced offensive approach. Burlington will be a test for the young infielder as he moves away from hitter-friendly Orem, but a strong showing could vault him back into the lower-hald of the Angels Top 30 – if not higher.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk./A): .328/.383/.552/.935 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 11 BB, 21 K in 31 G/128 PA
6) Will Wilson – SS/2B, Rookie Orem:
Eight straight multi-hit games lifted Orem infielder Will Wilson to a .396/.420/.563/.983 slash over the last two weeks (he’s hit .486 during the streak), highlighting the strong offensive profile that led the Angels to pick Wilson in the the first round of the 2019 draft. Being a little advanced for the league, Wilson might soon find himself alongside Adrian Rondon in Burlington for a look at more age-appropriate talent, and continued strong performance there could even place Wilson in A+ Inland Empire to start 2020, giving him a potential Anaheim arrival as early as 2021. Wilson hasn’t produced the best BB:K ratio through ~100 plate appearances, though this is likely only a product of being aggressive while swinging the bat well.
2019 hitting (Orem Rk.): .337/.378/.522/.899 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 BB, 19 K in 22 G/98 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Kaleb Cowart (3B/RHP, AAA): .350/.386/.625/1.011 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 4 K and 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K in two relief appearances 
Jack Kruger (C, AA): .370/.433/.556/.989 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 BB, 6 K – sorely needed hot streak for both the Angels and the prospect
Jared Walsh (1B/LHP, AAA): .314/.429/.829/1.257 with 3 2B, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K, plus IP, K – SLC/Anaheim shuttling cost him some PAs to rank, otherwise he might have been Top 5
Gareth Morgan (OF, A+): .283/.313/.652/.965 with 2 2B, 5 HR, only 2 BB to 27 K 
Wilfredo Tovar (SS,  AAA): .378/.404/.556/.960 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
Spencer Griffin (OF, A): .310/.383/.571/.954 with 1 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 12 K – continues to put together a semi-breakout season
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .310/.419/.520/.939 with 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – good defense and occasional good bat could still lead to a UT IF role
Julio De La Cruz (2B/3B, AZL Rk.): .333/.419/.472/.891 with 5 doubles, 4 BB, 13 K – 18-year old IF playing first stateside games, occasional flashes of good contact, discipline, and power for age
Jo Adell (OF, AA): .275/.370/.500/.870 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 11 K since MLB Futures Game
7) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
Three more solid games for the Angels’ 2018 4th rounder in his debut season, a year that will probably see Bradish locking himself into a spot onto various publications ‘Top 30 Prospects’ for the Halos, perhaps placing Bradish in the conversation for MLB action as early as 2020 in a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role. Across these most recent three appearances, Bradish posted a 2.16 ERA and .190 BAA in 16.1 IP, allowing only three walks to 19 strikeouts. Bradish has only allowed more than 4 runs in an appearance once, kept the ball in the yard (only 6 HR allowed in HR-friendly California League), and has that blend of decent GB% (46%) and swinging strike (15%) that Eppler likes, a little similarly to what the Angels had hoped to get from Trevor Cahill. Bradish might earn a AA promotion before the season is out, and is likely to start 2020 there.
2019 (A+): 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .228 BAA, 33 BB, 91 K across 71 IP in 17 G/11 GS
8) Oliver Ortega – RHP, A+ Inland Empire:
While Ortega’s most recent three appearances do not come with the shiny ERA we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him – 4.41 ERA in his last 16.1 innings – the peripherals continue to indicate Ortega’s development and rapidly improving stuff. The righty fanned 22 in those 16.1 innings, allowing 5 walks and 10 hits (.172 BAA), giving him an organization-leading 112 strikeouts and and K/9 rate of 11.7. Having only allowed 62 hits on the season, Ortega’s ability to limit hits and rack up strikeouts could fast-track the 22-year old to Anaheim next season as a multi-inning reliever, much like Luis Madero. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this offseason, the Angels will need to protect him on the 40-man, a move which is seeming increasingly certain.
2019 (A+): 3.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, .201 BAA, 42 BB, 112 K across 86.1 IP in 19 G/14 GS
9) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA Mobile:
Beasley continues to do Matt Shoemaker things in AA Mobile, a skill which keeps him in the 2020 mix for a spot-starter/multi-inning relief role with the Angels. Beasley worked three more starts, posting a 3.14 ERA and .241 BAA in 14.1 IP, walking four, striking out 13. One poor start – 7 ER on May 10th – has been Beasley’s only real blemish on the year. With that start removed, he has posted an incredibly strong 3.02 ERA in essentially 18 starts. Overall, his 19 ‘starts’ (one was a tandem-relief appearance) leads the Angels organization, a sign of Beasley’s resiliency. Not eligible for the Rule 5 until after the 2020 season, Beasley will likely continue to percolate in the minors as he doesn’t come with the pedigree of other prospects, but once he reaches AAA, a strong showing could change those opinions.
2019 (AA): 3.61 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, .253 BAA, 34 BB, 83 K across 89.2 IP in 19 G/18 GS
10) Kyle Tyler – RHP, A Burlington:
A 20th round pick in last year’s draft, Kyle Tyler has never drawn much attention as an Angels farmhand, until a string of solid performances placed him on the last edition of the prospect hotlist. Since then, he’s done nothing but continue to impress, delivering two more appearances totaling 12 IP, only allowing three hits, six walks, zero runs, and striking out nine. Going back to June 7th, Tyler has posted an eye-popping 1.19 ERA across nearly 40 innings, only allowing 20 hits in that time – good for a .156 BAA. In fact, Tyler has been quietly ‘dominant’ this season – in essentially 17 ‘starts’ (multi-inning RP/tandem starter) he has allowed six runs three times, three runs twice, and then zero or one run in the other twelve games. While he doesn’t post big strikeout numbers – only 71 in 83.1 IP – and only a 12% strike-swinging rate, it’s fair to say Tyler has probably been the lucky recipient of some good luck and defense, but a .195 BAA on the season is hard to ignore as the summer continues on.
2019 (A): 2.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .19% BAA, 29 BB, 71 K across 83.1 IP in 17 G/12 GS
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Travis Herrin (RHP, A+): 10.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K, 0.87 ERA in 2 games – has had a few good stretches on the year and worth watching
Hector Yan (LHP, A): 9.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, 4.82 ERA in 2 games – the lefty continues to post gaudy strikeout rates
Cole Duensing (RHP, A): 9.1 IP, 7 H, 7 BB, 8 K, 3.86 ERA in 2 GS – still has control struggles, but a big turnaround year continues to go Duensing’s way
Nate Bertness (LHP, A+): 9 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K, 2.00 ERA in 4 games – 6’6″ lefty has moved to relief, K/9 has jumped from 7.8 to 10.7
Jennry Gonzalez (LHP, AZL Rk.): 9 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 13 K, 2.00 ERA in 2 games – 18-year old lefty worth watching in first pro seasons stateside
Parker Bridwell (RHP, AAA): 13 IP, 17 H, 2 BB, 9 K, 3.46 ERA – because the Angels just can’t quit him and there’s always a need in the rotation
Matt Leon (RHP, Orem Rk.): 16 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 14 K, 3.38 ERA in 3 GS  – a little old for league, but pitching well after demotion from Burlington
Cooper Criswell (RHP, A+): 10 IP, 11 H, 3 BB, 6 HR, 3.60 ERA – improving as year goes on; April/May: 5.45 ERA 38 IP, 31 K June/July: 4.08 ERA, 35.1 IP, 37 K 
Clayton Chatham (RHP, A): 9.2 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 10 K, 0.00 ERA – 6’6″ RHP has a 1.99 ERA, .158 BAA across 22 IP against younger competition
Robinson Pina (RHP, A): 10 IP, 10 H, 6 BB, 13 K, 5.40 ERA – an even 100 strikeouts on the year now for the 20-year, in only 79.1 IP
Zack Kelly (RHP, AA):  10.1 IP, 10 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 3.48 ERA – converted to rotation in May, 3.93 ERA, .257 BAA, 52 K in 52 innings, only 2 HR allowed
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ANAHEIM — Let’s take emotion out of it for a bit, even though it could be argued that the Angels have run on extra emotion and energy since the tragic death of teammate Tyler Skaggs.
And let’s discount, for a moment, a post-All-Star break sweep of the Seattle Mariners, who are a bad enough baseball team that you wonder how General Manager Jerry DiPoto still has a job.
But the fact is that the Angels have now won five in a row and eight of their last 11 games after Tuesday night’s 7-2 decision over the Houston Astros, who have seen what was once a 10-game lead in the AL West chopped to 4½ in the last five weeks and have enough of an unsettled pitching situation that they’ve had to use an “opener” two nights in a row.
And so it must be asked: Are the Angels hoisting themselves back into the wild card race?
The answer, if you look strictly at the numbers? “Meh.”
On July 1, the day Skaggs died, they were 4½ games out of the second wild-card spot with a 42-43 record, with the Indians, A’s and Red Sox between them and that spot. They are now 50-46 … but still 4½ games out, though with just two teams (the Red Sox and Rangers) between them and the second spot that now belongs to the A’s.
Which illustrates, again, the difficulty of having to pass multiple teams to get where you need to go.
(For what it’s worth, they were 11 behind the Astros on July 1, and now sit nine back after winning the first two of this series.)
Beyond the numbers? There might be something there.
Mike Trout’s calf injury notwithstanding – and the two-time MVP sounds pretty confident he’ll be back in the lineup soon, possibly as early as Wednesday – the Angels’ health status brightened considerably when left fielder Justin Upton returned from the injured list June 17 and shortstop Andrelton Simmons came off it 10 days later.
With Trout, Shohei Ohtani and Upton in the 2-3-4 spots and Albert Pujols – who had a three-run double in the first inning on Tuesday night – lurking further down in the order, it’s a lineup that can severely test most pitching staffs.
“You saw it (Monday) night, a lot of energy coming from a lot of guys,” Trout said before the game, in reference to the Angels’ 9-6 come-from-behind victory in the series opener. “It’s not one guy. It’s one through nine.”
Pujols’ bases-clearing double Tuesday night, incidentally, was part of a six-run first inning in which the Angels sent 10 men to the plate and Astros closer Hector Rendon couldn’t get the third out. That ensured that the Angels would score at least six runs in six straight games.
“When they put their best lineup out there and when they have their pitching healthy, they’ve always been considered a good team,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said before the game. “It obviously starts with Trout and goes to a lot of different places on the field where they have an above-average player.
“I don’t think we’ve ever taken them lightly. I don’t think the league ever takes them lightly. Health is always important for all teams, and they’ve had their own fair share of issues, not keeping their players on the field. But, again, their best team is really good.”
If an opposing manager says it … well, it could usually be construed as a certain amount of apple polishing, although Hinch is a fairly straightforward guy.
If the Angels themselves believe it – truly, deep down, and not just mouthing the correct clichés – this could be an interesting and entertaining final 66 games.
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And, of course, there is that gaping hole in the starting rotation, as well as in the Angels’ hearts.
But maybe energy and passion will carry the day.
“A lot of it is that our offense has clicked,” Manager Brad Ausmus said before the game. “When you have your offense clicking, you have guys on base, you’re rounding the bases, you’re scoring, you’re high-fiving in the dugout. So that leads to a lot more energy, yeah.”
That’s another way of saying that at least six runs a night doesn’t hurt, either.
jalexander@scng.com
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Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick was suspended for two games because of his collision with catcher Jonathan Lucroy on Sunday, breaking Lucroy’s nose and giving him a concussion.
Marisnick still has the right to appeal the suspension, which Major League Baseball announced Thursday.
“After thoroughly reviewing the play from all angles, I have concluded that Jake’s actions warrant discipline,” MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre said in the announcement. “While I do not believe that Jake intended to injure Jonathan, the contact he initiated in his attempt to score violated Official Baseball Rule 6.01(i), which is designed to protect catchers from precisely this type of collision.”
Marisnick bowled over Lucroy while trying to score the go-ahead run in the eighth-inning of the Angels’ game in Houston, prompting Angels Manager Brad Ausmus to suggest the play warranted a suspension.
Marisnick was called out on the play because he violated baseball’s rules on home plate collisions. Runners are not permitted to deviate from their direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate a collision. Marisnick said he believed Lucroy was moving toward foul territory, so he was changing his path to try to avoid him. Lucroy remained in fair territory, though.
After the collision, several players from around the majors commented on the collision, with opinions split on whether Marisnick should be suspended.
The Astros play the Angels at Angel Stadium for a four-game series starting Monday.
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By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Many new names dot the hotlist this week, especially among the hitters. Notably, the top three are all former top prospects from other organizations that the Angels have pilfered away through various means recently, further evidence of the strong efforts to rebuild the farm and find under-the-radar, high-upside talent. The lower levels continue to show promise for the next offensive wave, and our A/A+ pitching continues to produce well, with a few starting to graduate to AA.
1) Gareth Morgan – OF, Inland Empire A+: 
Plucked from the Mariners organization a few weeks ago, the 6’4″, 220 pound right-handed hitting 2nd Rounder from the 2014 draft has demonstrated absurd power, even for the hitting-friendly California League. Playing all three outfield positions, Morgan has been on an 82-HR pace over 162 since joining the Angels org. 25 games ago, hitting seven homers in the last two weeks alone. Plate discipline, however, continues to elude Morgan – as he drew only two walks against 25 strikeouts in that time. Still, his .333/350/.719/1.069 slash since June 24th is good enough to earn him the top spot on this hotlist. It’s unlikely Morgan ever becomes more than a Jabari Blash-type (Japan and Korea could hone in on him) but he’s still worth keeping an eye on, if only for the fun HR rates.
2019 hitting (IE, A+): .301/.333/.660/.994 with 1 double, 12 HR, 29 RBI, 4 BB, 52 K in 25 G/111 PA
2) Adrian Rondon – 3B, Orem Rookie:
Rondon was the #1 ranked international prospect by Baseball America in the 2014 class when the Rays signed him for ~$3m, but he never produced with Tampa, with his best season producing a mere .731 OPS in Rookie ball in 2016. The Angels swung a deal for Rondon this winter, sending cash to Tampa, and the early returns are promising. Only 20 years old, Rondon is still a bit younger than the average Pioneer League player, and he’s starting to demonstrate the offense many had dreamed on, slashing .378/.385/.676/1.060 over the last two weeks, collecting three doubles, a triple, and two home runs along the way, as well as a couple stolen bases. Playing primarily 3B now, Rondon could become what the Angels had hoped for when they signed Kevin Maitan.
2019 (Orem Rk.): .325/398/.506/.904 with 6 doubles, 1 triples, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 10 BB, 15 K in 21 G/88 PA
3) Jhoan Urena – 1B, Mobile AA:
Urena does not come with the same prospect pedigree of Adrian Rondon, but he was once a highlight of the Mets international spending. Only 24, Urena has turned in a solid AA campaign, recently slashing .375/.444/.604/1/049 over the last two weeks, demonstrating a blend of contact, power (6 extra-base hits), and discipline (6 walks, 13 strikeouts) in 54 plate appearances. Playing primarily first base in that span, Urena has mostly seen time at the corners. He’s unlikely to impact Anaheim, but should the Angels wind up buyers and offer names like Thaiss, Ward, and Rojas, Urena could find his way to the PCL and produce some intriguing numbers, perhaps earning a Cesar Puello-type audition for some MLB team in the near future.
2019 (AA): .273/.347/.410/.756 with 16 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 38 BB, 33 BB, 87 K in 80 G/326 PA
4) Jose Rojas – DH/1B/2B,Salt Lake AAA:
Rojas continues to let up in his ever-relentless quest to beat the odds and reach the big leagues with the team he grew up rooting for. While his defense has led to increasing use as a DH, Rojas recently saw time back at 2B, a position he’s played sparingly, as well as first base. Offensively, though, Rojas refuses to let up, as he powered through the last two weeks with a .283/.353/.630/.983 slash, with 5 doubles, a triple, and three more home runs. Rojas might not have the prospect shine to come up substantially in trade talks, but it’s not hard to imagine some teams taking notice, and he may yet wind up on the MLB depth charts if the Angels are forced to deal away Ward or Thaiss for pitching help. Rojas will be eligible in the Rule 5 draft this offseason if he is not added to the 40-man. He is now sixth in the PCL in total bases with 177.
2019 (AAA): .289/.357/.562/.919 with 25 doubles, 5 triples, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 36 BB, 82 K in 78 G/356 PA
5) Raider Uceta – RF, Arizona Rookie:
Jumping stateside this year, Uceta was one of the Angels international signees in the 2017 class, drawing interest due to his offensive-ceiling with above-average raw power. Only 18, the power has yet to take root, but recent weeks has started to hint at that potential. Uceta has slashed .368/.455/.526/.981 with four doubles and a triple, while maintaining strong contact and discipline (6 BB, 10 K) skills. Paired up with other young outfielders like Rainier Rivas, Trent Deveaux, D’Shawn Knowles, and Alexander Ramirez, the Angels could have a whole new generation of outfield talent soon ranking behind Trout, Adell, and Marsh.
2019 hitting (AZL Rk.): .300/.373/.417/.790 with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 9 RBI, 7 BB, 17 K in 16 G/67 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Rainier Rivas (RF, DSL Rk.): .455/.556/.636/1.192 with 2 3B, 3 BB, 5 K – not enough PA to qualify, but a great start for the 18-year old
D’Shawn Knowles (OF, Orem Rk.): .424/.474/.545/1.019 with 4 2B, 4 BB, 7 K – also not enough PA to qualify, but he continues to impress
Jared Walsh (1B/LHP, AAA): .286/.446/.524/.970 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 12 BB, 13 K – solid discipline, also one scoreless inning pitched
Taylor Ward (LF, AAA): .316/.400/.561/.961 with 5 2B, 3 HR but only 8 BB, 15 K
Kaleb Cowart (IF,  AAA): .326/.360/.565/.925 with 5 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 10 K, 2.2 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, K
Connor Fitzsimmons (1B, A): .222/.317/.528/.845 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4 BB, 16 K
Michael Hermosillo (OF, AAA): .261/.370/.478/.849 with 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 17 K – playing mostly RF
Will Wilson (SS/2B, Orem Rk.): .263/.317/.500/.817 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 9 K
6) Kyle Tyler – RHP, Burlington A: 
This 20th Round pick from the 2018 draft has not come with much attention, but Kyle Tyler has turned in a solid sophomore campaign, one in which he’s been converted to the rotation like many Angels low-level pitchers. Recently, he’s been boosted by three straight solid starts, allowing only one earned run in 17 IP (0.53 ERA) with only 11 hits and four walks (.88 WHIP). Tyler doesn’t boast big strikeout numbers, but he’s kept walks and hits in check, and could find himself following a Jesus Castillo-type path in the minors.
2019 (A): 3.41 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, .209 BAA, 23 BB, 62 K across 71.1 IP in 15 G/12 GS
7) Andrew Wantz – RHP, Mobile AA: 
Recently promoted to AA Mobile, Wantz is another 2019 convert to the rotation, and he’s been consistent throughout, enough so that he is probably starting to slot in behind Sandoval, Castillo, and Madero as the next-closest Angel SP prospect, perhaps even being in-line for action in 2020. Like Tyler, Wantz has delivered three straight solid starts, going five innings in each, allowing a 3.60 ERA and .214 BAA, striking out 18, and walking only 5. His prior success in relief roles could turn Wantz back towards the bullpen in the long-term, but he’s quickly becoming one of the better SP prospects in the org.
2019 (A+/AA): 3.73 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, .226 BAA, 25 BB, 86 K across 72.1 IP in 16 G/11 GS
8 ) Oliver Ortega – RHP, Inland Empire A+:
An electric performance in the A+ All-Star Game brought some attention to Ortega, who is quickly opening eyes and showing promise as, at worst, a future reliever. His 90 strikeouts on the year rank second across the entire organization – majors and minors – and in the last two weeks, his two appearances have continued to trend in the right direction, as he pitched 11.2 IP with a 1.54 ERA, .175 BAA, allowing only 2 walks against 16 strikeouts. Ortega will need to be added to the Angels 40-man this winter in order to be protected in the Rule 5 draft, so the Angels might promote him to AA Mobile sooner rather than later, or, Ortega could follow a trajectory similar to that of Luis Madero, joining the 40-man while in A+ as a one-year-from-MLB-readiness multi-inning RP or SP option.
2019 (A+): 3.21 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .207 BAA, 37 BB, 90 K, across 75 IP in 16 G/12 GS
9) Hector Yan – LHP, Burlington A:
The strikeouts continue to rack up for Yan – 20 in three starts and 13.2 IP – who now leads the entire organization – MLB and minors – with 98 on the year. Walks continue to be a bit of an issue for Yan, who allowed 7 over the past two weeks along with 7 hits (.240 BAA) and a 4.61 ERA, but the 20-year old’s upside is apparent. While his control might limit him to a future in the bullpen, he is no doubt the Angels third-best LHP SP prospect at this time, behind Suarez and Sandoval.
2019 (A): 3.38 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, .194 BAA, 38 BB, 98 K, only 2 HR allowed across 69.1 IP in 17 G/13 GS
10) Isaac Mattson – RHP, Mobile AA:
Promoted to AA in mid-May, Mattson hasn’t skipped a beat, and has been dominant over the last two weeks, making 4 scoreless appearances, allowing only two hits and a walk while striking out 12 in 11.1 IP. He is undoubtedly pitching himself into the MLB relief depth charts, and could even be in the mix later this year – a 5 hits per 9 innings, 0.4 HR per 9 innings, and a 2.7 BB/9 paired with a 13.6 K/9 will do that for you.
2019 (A+/AA.): 1.72 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .160 BAA, 14 BB, 71 K across 47 IP in 22 G
Honorable mention, pitchers:
Alejandro Duran (RHP, DSL Rk.): 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K, 0.00 ERA in 2 games – 17-years old with 4 BB, 32 K, 2.16 ERA in 25 IP
Tyler Smith (RHP, A): 7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 11 K, 3.52 ERA in 5 games
Jeremy Beasley (RHP, AA): 10 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 3.60 ERA in 2 GS
Cristopher Molina (RHP, A+): 16 IP, 15 H, 3 BB, 10 K, 4.50 ERA in 3 GS
Tyler Carpenter (RHP, AA): 14.1 IP, 14 H, 4 BB, 13 K, 2.51 ERA in 3 GS 
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CLEVELAND — Joc Pederson was on the wrong end of a duel that will go down as one of the classics in Home Run Derby history.
The Dodgers outfielder/first baseman and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. engaged in a heavyweight slugfest, requiring three extra rounds before the Toronto Blue Jays rookie third baseman won the semifinal match by a single homer on Monday night.
Guerrero, perhaps exhausted on a night when he finished with 91 homers, then lost to New York Mets rookie Pete Alonso in the final 22-21.
“It’s pretty exhausting but it’s all worth it,” Pederson said moments after his 39-homer performance came up one short of Guerrero. “It was a lot of fun. It’s exciting. That’s why you sign up for it. It was fun to compete out there.”
Although Alonso won, he still tipped his cap to the show put on by Pederson and Guerrero: “That was elite hitting. That was some of the best BP I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if we’re ever going to see that again.”
This year’s Home Run Derby has the added incentive of a $1 million prize for the winner, and Guerrero and Pederson clearly were giving it their best shot, and electrifying the Progressive Field crowd along the way.
Guerrero had set a Derby record with 29 homers in his first-round victory over Matt Chapman, while Peterson outhomered Alex Bregman 21-18 to advance.
Then, it got really entertaining.
Guerrero went first, blasting another 29 homers in the 4-minute time limit, plus 30-second bonus time for sending two balls more than 440 feet, once again surpassing the record of 28 set by Josh Hamilton in 2008. Hamilton set the mark during the old “10 outs” format, so he had 38 swings, compared to Guerrero’s 48.
Pederson then stepped into the box and began steadily ripping pitches from Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel into the right field seats. He closed in on Guerrero, finally tying him with seconds to go. Pederson had time for one last swing to win it, but he came up just short.
In the first 60-second tie-breaker round, Guerrero hit eight more homers. Peterson tied him, dropping his a drive into the first row with his last swing, as the crowd erupted.
The competition then moved to three-swing tie-breakers. Each player hit one homer with his first three swings, with Pederson pulling one just foul with his final swing.
In the next round, Guerrero hit homers with his first two swings before coming up short.
Pederson then homered on his first swing to stay alive, but his next swing was a foul down the line. Down his last swing and needing to hit one out, Pederson grounded to first base before both players shared an exhausted embrace near home plate as the fellow All-Stars stood and applauded like regular fans.
“It was special,” Pederson said. “He’s got a beautiful swing obviously. It’s fun.”
Before this year’s Derby, only six players had hit 40 home runs in an entire event, much less a single round.
“I feel bad for him,” an exhausted Pederson said after his final swing. “He’s gotta keep hitting; I’m toast.”
While this was Guerrero’s first time competing in a big league Home Run Derby, he had attended the 2007 competition, when his father won as a member of the Angels.
Coincidentally, the man who pitched to Guerrero in that event was Ebel, who was then an Angels coach.
“That was kind of fun for me,” Ebel said. “I went over earlier and gave (Guerrero Jr.) a big hug. I remember him on the sideline jumping up and down and tonight he put on a good show. He’s pretty good. He had the swing back in the day when I saw him in the cages with his dad.”
Pederson was taking his second crack at the event, after finishing as the runner-up to hometown favorite Todd Frazier in 2015 in Cincinnati. Pederson’s 99 combined homers between his two Derby appearances are an all-time record.
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He watched helplessly as Guerrero hit 29 homers before he even had a chance to swing.
“I wish they would have told me,” said Chapman, a late replacement for Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich. “They set me up. I wish they would have told me ‘You’ll be in the Home Run Derby, but you’ll have to hit 30 bombs.”
Alonso, making the major league minimum of $555,000 this season, is the second rookie to win outright, following Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2017.
Guerrero did hit the longest homer of the night, a 488-foot blast in the second round.
News services contributed to this story.




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