Sometimes life has a funny way of turning everything out. For veteran relief pitcher Hunter Strickland, he never thought he would be back in the big leagues.
Strickland believed his career was over, having not pitched in the majors since 2022. So when the Angels called him for a minor-league deal earlier this winter, it came as a surprise to him.
“Honestly, I thought I was done. I made peace with it. Just enjoying a summer at home, the first one since high school. Enjoying it with my family.”
Strickland last pitched in Triple-A for the Cincinnati Reds organization but wants to show he can still perform. Strickland is currently involved in a competition to try to make the roster, so a strong spring could go a long way for him.
“Obviously, it’s a healthy competition, which is a good thing,” Strickland said. “It says a lot about what Perry and the organization is trying to do here. Ultimately, we’re trying to win here, to bring a championship to Anaheim. Trying to pursue all options and have some depth, which I think is always important.”
Even if Strickland doesn't make the big league roster at first, he can still continue to work. Heading to Triple-A doesn't mean he won't ever return to the majors, but it will just mean he needs to work even harder.
He owns a career 3.41 ERA in 408 games. Now Strickland is hoping he can add to that total if given the chance.
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