The Los Angeles Angels are riding a hot streak with eight straight wins, but that hasn’t stopped them from making bold roster moves. On Saturday, they designated right-hander for assignment and called up top pitching prospect from Triple-A Salt Lake to strengthen the bullpen.
Anderson, 30, had a rough stint with the Angels, recording a 6.30 ERA over 10 innings and surrendering four runs in just 1⅓ innings on Friday. With a 1.700 WHIP and a career ERA of 6.11, his struggles at the MLB level made it clear the team was ready to move on.
Taking his place is Dana, ranked as the Angels’ No. 2 prospect and No. 65 overall on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 list. Though he’s primarily been a starter in his professional career, manager Ron Washington said the 21-year-old will serve as a long reliever.
“He’ll be our long man out of the bullpen if the situation calls for it,” Washington explained. “He gives us the innings we need, and that’s why he’s here.”
Angels bring top pitching prospect back into bullpen
At first glance, the move may come as a surprise, but it carries clear strategic potential. Dana has already pitched in the majors this season, throwing three innings out of the bullpen on April 4. He also made three starts for the Angels last September. While his MLB numbers so far show an 8.78 ERA over 13⅓ innings, his impressive raw tools and composure on the mound still stand out.
Dana features a fastball in the mid-90s, a sharp slider, and developing secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup. In Triple-A this year, he’s recorded 41 strikeouts in 38 innings, though his control and consistency have been spotty, contributing to a 5.21 ERA. The hitter-friendly environment of the Pacific Coast League hasn’t helped his stats, and his 24.6% strikeout rate remains an encouraging sign for his long-term ceiling.
“My biggest goal has been to stay healthy and keep grinding,” Dana said. “It’s really been a day-to-day mental approach. I made a few small mechanical tweaks—especially with my front side—to be more deceptive.”
This marks Dana’s second promotion to the big leagues this season, and it represents his first real opportunity to settle into a bullpen role. Manager Ron Washington emphasized that this temporary move won’t hinder Dana’s development as a starting pitcher.
“This isn’t going to stall his growth,” Washington said. “We’re doing what’s best for the team, and right now, we believe he’s someone who can contribute.”
The Angels, now at 25-25, have fought their way back to a .500 record for the first time in nearly a month and are only 1.5 games out of an AL Wild Card spot. With the team’s bullpen ERA ranking last in the majors, Dana’s addition—even in a relief role—could offer a much-needed boost.
His mission is simple: throw strikes, stay aggressive, and help keep the Angels moving forward.
Be the first to comment