CINCINNATI — Kurt Suzuki believes that George Klassen returned to the minors with a clear idea about what he needs to correct.
“With Klassen, the stuff’s there,” the Angels manager said of the rookie right-hander. “We’ve seen it. We all talk about it. We still love him. He’s just got to get more consistent. That’s all. There’s nothing else really to it. Just experience, consistency, and pitching.”
Klassen, 24, was a last-minute rotation replacement when Ryan Johnson got sick. He made two disappointing starts, with 10 walks in 4⅔ innings. On Sunday, the Angels sent him back to Triple-A.
The best-case scenario is that Klassen will respond the way right-hander Jack Kochanowicz did two years ago. Kochanowicz gave up 12 runs in his first two big league starts in July 2024. He spent three weeks in the minors, and then posted a 2.78 ERA in nine big league starts over the rest of the season.
The Angels hope that they won’t need Klassen back that quickly, though.
Johnson is scheduled to throw around 80 pitches in a game in Arizona on Monday. Suzuki said he might need one game in the minors after that.
In the meantime, the Angels have to fill a hole in the rotation at least one more time, either Wednesday or Thursday in New York. Kochanowicz will start the other game.
“We could go bullpen game or we could bring a guy up,” Suzuki said.
If they are going to bring someone up, the most reasonable option is right-hander Walbert Ureña. He threw five innings on Wednesday at Triple-A. Although he gave up four runs, he didn’t walk anyone and he threw 87 pitches. He’d have an appropriate amount of rest to pitch either of the two games in New York, and he’s on the 40-man roster.
The Angels believed they had an unusual bounty of rotation depth in spring training, but not at the moment.
They designated right-hander Victor Mederos for assignment and then traded him. Left-hander Sam Aldegheri has gotten beaten up in Triple-A. Left-hander Mitch Farris is currently in the big league bullpen. (He’d be a candidate to start a bullpen game in New York.)
Then there is a list of pitchers with health issues, including Johnson.
Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (shoulder inflammation) threw fastballs and changeups in the bullpen on Saturday. He is set to throw another bullpen on Tuesday.
Right-hander Caden Dana, who missed much of spring training recovering from mono, is finally about to start his season at Triple-A.
Right-hander Alek Manoah, who had a fingernail issue, has been facing hitters in Arizona.
“We’ve got talent,” Suzuki said. “On the bright side, they’re not far away. Soon guys are going to be saying ‘man, you have so many options.’ You’re hoping it’s sooner rather than later.”
SANDLIN UP
Right-handed reliever Nick Sandlin took Klassen’s spot on the roster, returning to the majors for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery last fall. The Angels had a vacant 40-man spot for Sandlin because they designated Jeimer Candelario for assignment on Saturday.
“It’s a big step getting back from kind of a full year of rehab last year,” Sandlin said. “The worst part of this game is being injured. It’s a lot of work that people don’t see. It’s good to get back to this point for sure.”
Sandlin, 29, has a 3.19 ERA in parts of five big league seasons, with the Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays. Opponents have hit .191 against Sandlin in his career. Even though he’s a side-arm pitcher, he’s been effective against righties (.196) and lefties (.183).
Sandlin said he’s ready to pitch multiple innings and back-to-back days.
NOTES
The Angels lost ABS challenges in the first inning each of the first two days of this series. Suzuki acknowledged that they’ve talked about those decisions — by Zach Neto and Logan O’Hoppe — but he stopped short of saying they’ve established any firm rules about when players can and can’t challenge. “The right word is recommendations,” Suzuki said. “Guys know what we’re talking about, big spots and things like that.” …
Left-hander Brent Suter provided valuable work to the Angels’ bullpen by getting 11 outs on 39 pitches during Saturday’s loss. One of the trademarks of Suter’s career has been his durability and ability to get through multiple innings with minimal pitches. “He attacks the zone,” Suzuki said. “He knows who he is. It’s great for the young guys to watch him. He attacks guys and gets outs.”
UP NEXT
Angels (LHP Yusei Kikuchi, 0-2, 6.75) at Yankees (RHP Will Warren, 1-0, 3.07), Monday, 4:05 p.m. PT, FanDuel Sports Network, 830 AM