The Angels are shaking things up on their pitching roster with some notable moves today. Right-hander Shaun Anderson is stepping up to the big leagues once again, while Victor Mederos finds himself designated for assignment. Let's dive into what this means for the team.
Shaun Anderson, now 31, is no stranger to the MLB scene. Drafted by the Red Sox back in 2016, he made his debut in 2019 with the Giants after being traded in the Eduardo Nunez deal.
Initially, Anderson's role as a swingman saw him struggle, posting a 5.44 ERA over 96 innings. However, a shift to the bullpen in 2020 brought a glimmer of hope, with a solid 3.52 ERA in a shortened season.
Yet, inconsistent peripherals kept his future in question.
The following year, Anderson didn't make the Giants' roster and was traded to the Twins in the LaMonte Wade Jr. deal. That year was a whirlwind, with Anderson bouncing between the Twins, Orioles, and Padres, culminating in a tough 8.49 ERA over 23 1/3 innings. Since then, his MLB appearances have been limited, with stints at the Blue Jays, Rangers, Angels, and Marlins, resulting in a 9.42 ERA across 14 outings.
Despite these challenges, Anderson's experience and potential to eat up innings could be valuable for the Angels, especially with key pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez, Alek Manoah, Kirby Yates, Robert Stephenson, and Ben Joyce starting the season on the injured list.
To make room for Anderson, the Angels have designated Victor Mederos for assignment. Drafted in the sixth round in 2022, Mederos made a swift climb to the majors, debuting the following year.
However, his time in the big leagues has been rocky, with an 8.52 ERA and a 6.95 FIP over 25 1/3 innings. Despite this, his 3.96 ERA in Triple-A shows promise, and at just 24, there's still potential for development.
Mederos might catch the eye of another team looking for a long-term project. If he clears waivers, the Angels could retain him as non-roster depth in the minors, offering him a chance to refine his skills further.
In essence, the Angels are making strategic moves to bolster their pitching staff, balancing immediate needs with potential future gains. Anderson's return could provide much-needed stability, while Mederos' journey is one to watch as he seeks to find his footing in the majors.