Los Angeles Angels off season addition report card: Blake Parker

The Los Angeles Angels signed pitcher Blake Parker in the off season. At the low-risk cost of one year and $560,000 a team decimated by injuries in 2016 (and now again in 2017), it was a gamble the team needed to take.

Having experienced success with the Chicago Cubs in 2013, Los Angeles Angels Blake Parker’s career took a dip after that.  He eventually ended up out of the majors for all of 2015. While he did return in 2016, it was mostly replacement level work in a small sample size.

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However, the Los Angeles Angels chance has paid off so far in 2017. The reliever has turned in 21.1 IP in 23 appearances. Parker has pitched to the tune of a 2.95 ERA. 35 K to 7 BB is also a nice set of numbers to look at, as is his 0.4 WAR so far.

All-in-all, Parker has settled in well for the Angels. Outside of a 2 ER bump in his first game back on April 4th, and another hiccup on May 3rd when he surrendered 4 ER in 0.2 IP, Parker has pitched quite well for the team.

As 2017 has proven to be another season where the Los Angeles Angels disabled list may be as long as their active roster, Parker has given the team an arm that can come in and throw 1+ innings in a game. The added bonus of being able to get a strikeout when needed (and at any other time) makes his overall positive performance that much more important to the Angels.

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Overall grade: B. That’s a strong B. One that can definitely be an A by the end of the season. With continued strikeouts and fewer big innings, the way up is clear for Parker.