Angels Make Historic Roster Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 10:23 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels haven't been a main topic of conversation since Shohei Ohtani left in December 2023. They still have future Hall of Famer Mike Trout, but even he's struggled to stay at the forefront due to injury. The 33-year-old has only played 100 games in a season once since 2021.

That's partially why they haven't had a winning record since 2015, when they were still the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. However, all is not lost. With veteran manger Ron Washington at the helm, Trout is now healthy, and the team has made quality additions such as four-time All-Star closer Kenley Jansen.

The Angels are also promoting a rookie to the big leagues straight out of the draft.

The team selected right-handed pitcher Ryan Johnson in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft and promoted him to this year's Opening Day roster without any time in the minor leagues via Angels PR.

"Ryan Johnson would become the 24th player in MLB history to go straight from the Draft to the Majors without first playing in the minors," the team said. "The last MLB player to do so was White Sox LHP Garrett Crochet in 2020. The only previous Angels player to do so was LHP Jim Abbott in 1989."

Ryan Johnson would become the 24th player in MLB history to go straight from the Draft to the Majors without first playing in the minors.

The last MLB player to do so was White Sox LHP Garrett Crochet in 2020.

The only previous Angels player to do so was LHP Jim Abbott in 1989. https://t.co/0i5E6M30gP
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) March 25, 2025

Los Angeles also selected the contract of former Chicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson while designating left-handed pitchers Angel Perdomo and Jose Quijada for assignment.

The Angels are finishing their spring training slate against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday before starting the regular season on Thursday with a three-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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