Could Michael Kohn Snag A Spot In The Los Angeles Angels Bullpen?

As Ryan Madson continues on his road back to recovery from Tommy John surgery, another Angel bullpen hurler is doing the same thing in Michael Kohn. While spots in the bullpen may be extremely limited, Kohn is someone who can certainly come into training camp and steal a spot in the bullpen and may even help out when Madson is injured.

July 4, 2011; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Michael Kohn (58) celebrates after the win against the Detroit Tigers at the Angels Stadium of Anaheim. The Los Angeles Angels won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Kohn had Tommy John Surgery one day after Madson’s last season, but everyone’s body responds to surgery differently. Kohn, before spring pitchers and catchers reported, threw 25 bullpen sessions, which certainly gives him a leg up in his recovery. He was throwing seven months after surgery, which is remarkable.

Kohn averaged over a strikeout per inning while in the minors in 2011, but was more impressive in the big leagues in 2010 rather than 2011. Bullpens are a tricky thing year to year. You hope you have a couple of studs at the back end and then you rotate guys in and out year to year.

I dont know if Kohn can be one of those stud guys in the bullpen. It’s really too early to tell. Can he be a useful piece in a successful bullpen? He certainly could. First of all, he needs to face hitters and show that he’s fully recovered from surgery and it may be beneficial for him to start the year in AAA. If he is, it could be a nice, cheap, young option for the Angels in the bullpen. If he’s not, you just continue on your search.