PHOENIX — Angels general manager Perry Minasian said it’s to early to talk about the trade deadline, which means it’s definitely too early to talk about 2025.
In reality, though, those two things are related.
The Angels have several players who will be free agents at the end of the season – like relievers Carlos Estévez and Luis Garcia – and any of those could be traded. The more difficult decisions for Minasian will be what to do with players who are still under control for 2025 and beyond.
Left-hander Tyler Anderson, infielder Luis Rengifo and outfielder Taylor Ward are all having good enough seasons to be attractive to some contenders. They could also help the Angels next season.
Minasian, not surprisingly, wouldn’t tip his hand as to how willing he will be to part with players who are under control before the July 31 trade deadline.
“Yes, the guys with expiring contracts are easier to talk about,” Minasian said. “The guys that will have control and can be part of this team going forward, that’s more difficult. We’ll take it case by case.”
Minasian must not only weigh the talent he could get back, but also the timeline of that talent making an impact in the majors. If, for example, the Angels are going to compete in 2025, they might be better off having Rengifo than having a prospect who won’t be in the majors for a couple of years.
As for the general timeline of competing again, Minasian wouldn’t bite.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of season left,” Minasian said. “To talk about next season and the season after that, for me doesn’t necessarily make sense. I believe we’ve played better of late. Hopefully we continue to do that, stay consistent. Do the small things, learn from our mistakes, which I think we have over the course of the last month and a half. Done a better job of correcting things quicker. We’ll see where it goes.”
The Angels were 26-41 heading into Thursday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, having played an ugly game on Tuesday and an impressive one on Wednesday.
That type of inconsistency is to be expected with such a young team, Minasian said.
“Obviously we’re not happy with the record, but, for me at least, the ability to let young guys play is important,” Minasian said. “We have to develop our own players to go where we want to go. We’ve got to develop young players. There’s some young players here that we’re excited about.”
ROTATION UPDATE
The Angels still don’t know who is going to start on the mound on Sunday in San Francisco. They still haven’t filled the spot vacated when left-hander Reid Detmers was sent to Triple-A.
Left-hander José Suarez, who gave up four runs in 2⅔ innings on Tuesday, is a candidate to pitch again. Suarez threw a bullpen session on Thursday afternoon.
“We are still working him like he’s going to get the start,” Manager Ron Washington said. “Right now I don’t want to say that Suarez is going to get it till it happens, because I don’t know.”
The Angels don’t have many options other than Suarez. They could start right-hander Carson Fulmer in a bullpen game.
In Triple-A, right-hander Chase Silseth still needs more time after he gave up six runs in his rehab start on Tuesday. Left-hander Kenny Rosenberg is now injured. Right-hander Andrew Wantz just came off the injured list and is building up by pitching in relief.
Right-hander Zach Plesac could be an option soon, although not Sunday. Plesac has allowed two runs in 15⅓ innings in his last two Triple-A starts. He now has a 5.42 ERA at Salt Lake.
“He’s improved,” Minasian said. “I think there’s some things there. He’s been working on execution of certain pitches, really getting ahead of hitters. Philosophically, similar to what we’re doing here.”
NOTES
Catcher Logan O’Hoppe picked up a hit from Sunday’s game because of a scoring change. The play had initially been scored an error by Houston Astros third baseman Mauricio Dubon. As a result, O’Hoppe had a career-high five-hit game. He is the first Angels catcher to have five hits in a game since Carlos Perez on July 2, 2016. …
Related Articles
José Soriano dominates for 8 innings in Angels’ victory over Diamondbacks
Angels manager Ron Washington thrilled with players’ response to extended pregame meeting
Angels lose ugly game to Diamondbacks
Angels’ Michael Stefanic looks to pick up where he left off last season
Fatherhood has driven Angels reliever Carson Fulmer to stay in the majors
Minasian, per his usual practice, gave no hint as to when he is expecting Mike Trout to return. The three-time American League MVP is now about six weeks removed from meniscus surgery. He’s still not running with his full weight yet or doing any baseball activity. “When he’s healthy he’ll play,” Minasian said. “We have to get him healthy to where he can go out and play and be Mike Trout. As far as timeframes, I don’t give timeframes. I don’t think anybody wants to get back as bad as Mike does. It’s just a matter of him getting healthy and being able to do that.” …
Minasian had essentially the same comment on third baseman Anthony Rendon, who has at least begun some baseball activity. Rendon is rehabbing from a torn hamstring.
UP NEXT
Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 5-6, 2.63 ERA) at Giants (RHP Spencer Howard, 0-0, 2.03), Friday, 7:15 p.m., Apple TV+, 830 AM