The Los Angeles Angels have been drowning early in the season. After Thursday’s loss, they now sit at 14-24 and need to make changes fast to have any hope of turning this ship around. As such, the Angels made a flurry of moves on Thursday, which were to add three infielders, release a relief pitcher, and move star third baseman Anthony Rendon to the 60-day injured list.
Angels Add Three Infielders
Los Angeles added Luis Guillorme, Niko Goodrum, and Drew Ellis to the roster on Thursday. Guillorme was acquired via a trade with the Atlanta Braves, Goodrum was claimed off waivers, and Ellis was signed to a minor league deal. As the Angels add these three infielders, the leash may be up for struggling players such as Cole Tucker, and Ehire Adrianza. While neither has a ton of playing time this season, they have been struggling when given the opportunity.
Breaking Down Angels Additions
Of the three, Guillorme is the most likely to make any impact. In 2020 and 2022, Guillorme was an above-average hitter sporting a 140 and 101 WRC+, respectively. While he’s never been a power threat, hitting just five home runs in his career, he has always been a pesky hitter at the plate. In his seven years in the bigs, he has a low strikeout rate at 16.1%, which is about 6 percent better than the league average. In terms of defense, he is just fine. He mostly has experience at second base and third base, with some time at shortstop as well.
Goodrum is the most versatile of the three, having spent time at every position aside from catcher at the big league level. The problem is, he’s been generally terrible while playing them, averaging a disastrous -21 DRS in the outfield, and a -7 at second base over a 135-game sample. One positive about Goodrum, however, is he does have some pop in his bat. He has hit over 10 home runs twice in part-time play, and hit close to 30 doubles. One could say his ceiling is higher than both Guillorme and Ellis, but the floor seems to be much lower as well.
Speaking of Ellis, he is the least likely of the three to do anything of substance at the big league level. In his brief time in the majors, Ellis has been worth -0.9 WAR in just 48 games, slashing a ghastly .157/.269/.295. All of his games were at first base and third base, and he likely won’t play in the majors barring even more injuries to the major league roster.
Anthony Rendon Moved to 60 Day IL
Trade today: Angels acquire Luis Guillorme from Braves in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Anthony Rendon moved to 60-day IL to clear a 40-man spot for Guillorme. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 9, 2024
To say that Anthony Rendon has had a rocky tenure with the Halos would be an insult to rocks. Dating back to 2020, when the Angels signed him to a massive $250 million deal, Rendon has only played 44 games on average, and at this rate isn’t likely to hit even that milestone this year. Rendon is hurt. Again. Originally sidelined with a left hamstring strain, it looks like it might be something more serious.
Zac Kristofak Released
The Angels also released relief pitcher Zac Kristofak on Thursday. He was DFA’d last week when they decided to purchase the contract of Willie Calhoun. The team hasn’t expressly said why they are releasing the reliever, but if it’s injury-related he will probably re-sign with the team on a minor league deal or something else short-term.
Kristofak made his major league debut earlier this season and pitched two innings, giving up no earned runs and striking out two.
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
