Angels take rushing prospects to a new level

[Futuregm2]

Angels have a history of pushing draft picks fast. Well, they’ve outdone themselves now.

Ryan Johnson, a 2nd round pick from Dallas Baptist last year, will make his pro debut in the MLB as he makes the opening day roster out of ST.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/444 ... ources-say

“ Right-hander Ryan Johnson made the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day roster and will debut in the major leagues without having played a single minor league game.

Johnson, who is 22 and was drafted in the second round last year, signed for $1.75 million but did not pitch after throwing 106 innings in his junior season at Dallas Baptist. Once he debuts -- Johnson is expected to work out of the bullpen -- he would be the first player to skip the minor leagues entirely since Garrett Crochet, who joined the Chicago White Sox in 2020, when the minor league season was canceled because of COVID-19.

"We believe he's going to be a starter eventually," Angels GM Perry Minasian said. "I'm very strong on that. There's tons of examples of guys who have broken in the bullpen and eventually started."

Johnson will be only the third player since 2001 to play in the big leagues without a minor league appearance, joining Crochet and right-hander Mike Leake (2010). Since the implementation of the draft in 1965, only 23 players before Johnson have been moved straight to the big leagues.“

[jcgmoi]

Johnson will be only the third player since 2001 to play in the big leagues without a minor league appearance, joining Crochet and right-hander Mike Leake (2010).

A career approaching those two would be something.

Johnson is listed as 6-6, 215 so he's got the build to go with his 100 mph heater. In his last season in college he went 11-3, 2.21 in 16 starts, with 151 strikeouts in 106 innings.

[scoutyjones2]

Good. You say rushing, I say using his talents as a 3 year college pitcher. Him and Cam Smith make the dream
..MLB.

JJ goes to double AA...top 7 draft pick.

[hugeCardfan]

Hint of desperation.

[rockondlouie]

Good. You say rushing, I say using his talents as a 3 year college pitcher. Him and Cam Smith make the dream
..MLB.

JJ goes to double AA...top 7 draft pick.

At his age, size and college experience I'm w/you.

Pitchers suffer too many arm injuries and if the Angels feel this kid is ready, then give it a shot.

Worst case is he struggles and gets sent to AA or AAA.

[Ozziesfan41]

Angels do a lot of dumb things thats why they have sucked for years. Then they are starting him in the bullpen instead of the rotation so thats doubling down on dumb. But the angels do take dumb to a new level

[craviduce]

they call Dallas Baptist a "Pitching Factory", b/c of the recent success in getting kids drafted....not many have worked out/earned their spot in the Majors.


The Cards recent Dallas Baptist product was released in Spring Training, 2024. Chandler Arnold, 2022 13th round pick, got one full year in 2023...8.50 ERA