The Los Angeles Angels are making strategic moves to bolster their depth by bringing back two familiar faces: reliever Hunter Strickland and utility player Chris Taylor. Both players have signed minor league deals and will head to Triple-A Salt Lake, ready to step up when the call comes.
Hunter Strickland's return is particularly notable. Known for his consistent performance over the past two seasons with the Angels, Strickland brings reliability to the bullpen.
Despite a shoulder injury limiting him to just 19 appearances last season, he maintained an impressive ERA in the low 3.00s. This spring, Strickland showed promise with five innings of one-run ball, though his strikeout numbers were modest.
His fastball velocity dipped slightly to 91.8 mph from his usual 93.6 mph, but given the limited spring workload, this isn't raising alarms just yet. As a power pitcher, keeping an eye on his velocity and command will be crucial as the season progresses.
Chris Taylor, on the other hand, offers versatility and experience. While his spring batting average stood at .231, his keen eye at the plate earned him 10 walks in 49 appearances.
Taylor's role will be to provide depth, especially with the Angels testing young talent like Oswald Peraza at second base. Taylor's history with the Dodgers as a reliable role player shows he can still contribute significantly, especially when he finds his groove.
Manager Kurt Suzuki might lean on Strickland first, particularly given the inevitable injuries and roster shuffles that occur over a long season. Both Strickland and Taylor are poised to make meaningful contributions, ensuring the Angels have the depth needed to navigate the challenges ahead.