LA Angels Top Prospect Countdown: #12 Parker Bridwell

The LA Angels have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. However, they have a good mix of prospects who will help soon and some with star potential down the road. In this series, we will evaluate each of the Angels Top 30 prospects. Today, it’s pitcher Parker Bridwell.

The LA Angels only recently acquired the 25-year old pitcher in mid-April. They immediately optioned him to the Double-A Mobile Baybears. Bridwell was drafted in the ninth round of the 2010 Amateur Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. The high school arm was a three sport star, but it was obvious baseball was his calling.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

Bridwell is an athlete, standing at 6′ 4″ and weighing in at 185 pounds. While he does have room to fill out his frame, he is still a sturdy pitcher. Bridwell uses his height to advantage, creating a very downward path to the plate for his pitches. His fastball is his go to pitch, and while he has struggled with command in the past, he has also been able to dominate using it. He flaunts a plus changeup as well, giving him a solid strikeout pitch against left-handed batters. He also uses a curveball and slider effectively.

Bridwell was a starter for most of his minor league career. However, after inconsistent numbers and injury concerns the Orioles decided to groom him as a relief pitcher. When the Angels traded for him though, they had plans of transitioning Bridwell back to a starter, and he has proven them right in doing so.

Bridwell started the season in Double-A, where he started three games and held a 2.00 ERA. He was promoted to Triple-A, where he has made two excellent starts. In his first start, Bridwell threw five innings of shutout baseball, allowing only two hits and a walk while striking out seven batters. His second start was even better than his first. Bridwell threw seven innings of nearly perfect baseball. He allowed on one hit in his outing, and walked no batters. He struck out six in that game.

Next: Is Jered Weaver's Career Just About Over?

Bridwell has been lights out since he became a part of the Angels’ organization. He has definitely earned a shot at the big leagues, and could be due up next time the Angels need a spot start. While his major league numbers are not impressive (13.50 ERA in 3.1 innings over two appearances), Bridwell seems to be a new player for the Halos. He could end up being a middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Angels for years to come. Expect him to make his debut at some point in 2017.