Projecting High Impact September Call Ups For the LA Angels

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 2: Carlos Perez
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 2: Carlos Perez

September call-ups are the smallest, most minute changes teams can make this time of year. Despite their seemingly unimportant scale, the LA Angels have a few that could make a real impact.

Every September 1st, MLB teams are given the ability to stretch their rosters beyond the normal 25 man limit. At this point, any player on the 40 man roster may be recalled without penalty. Typically teams load up on innings-eating pitchers as well as impressing prospects and overall depth.

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These call ups more than likely won’t see a second of playoff baseball, however they’re a crucial aspect in propelling a team into October. Here’s a look at some likely call ups that will have huge impacts for the LA Angels down the stretch.

First off, Deolis Guerra is likely to have the biggest impact. The former Rule 5 pick was a stud in 2016, posting a 3.21 ERA over 53 innings. Unfortunately Guerra struggled mightily to open the 2017 campaign with a 5.66 ERA and was consequently DFA’d. In Salt Lake City, the 28-year-old has posted a stellar 1.86 ERA. Both he and the club are hopeful and optimistic he can return to his 2016 form over the final mont of this season.

Secondly, third catchers are a guarantee for any team to recall in September. After Martin Maldonado snatched and ran away with the starting job, Carlos Perez was optioned in order to receive continued playing time. Perez has since emerged as one of the Bees best players, hitting .358 with a .939 OPS. He is undoubtedly better than Juan Graterol while Maldonado is greatly exceeding previous career high for games played. Perez will look to provide needed rest for Maldonado with little sacrifice to the team’s play.

Former Angel Fernando Salas recently signed a minor league deal with the team, as he has already been recalled prior to September 1. Despite his struggles in New York (6.00 ERA in 45 innings) Salas has had success in Anaheim. In his two and a half-year tenure, Salas had a 4.03 ERA. His reputation is muddled around fans, but Salas provides experience and a potential late inning arm.

Typically teams add inning-eating pitchers, and the Angels have a few at their disposal. Daniel Wright has experience, starting twice for the Angels this season. His MLB ERA of 4.58 is not great, but he will not be pitching in high leverage spots.

Another sleeper addition could be the fast rising 21-year old Jaime Barria. He started his season in High-A Inland Empire and has now worked himself into Triple-A. As a Future’s Game representative for the Angels, Barria certainly represents a promising starter. His cumulative 3.41 ERA across all levels is impressive, but his youth provides skepticism. As the Angels 8th best prospect, promoting Barria would provide a glimpse into the future as well.

Next: Angels Add Two Former All-Stars to Gear for a Playoff Push

September always provides excitement, intensity, and the relentless pursuit of October baseball. The acquisitions of Brandon Phillips and Justin Upton will be extraordinary to that process, but September call ups can be huge as well.