Los Angeles Angels’ prospect Jaime Barria wins MLB debut

Jaime Barria impresses the Los Angeles Angels making a case to have a more permanent role on the active roster.

Los Angeles Angels’ top pitching prospect Jaime Barria wins in his debut, lasting five innings  allowing only one earned run in the Angels 7-2 victory over the Rangers Wednesday night.

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It’s great news if you’re an Angels fan. Not only did Barria give the Angels’ bullpen some well deserved rest, but he also shows the promise of being an everyday starter. In fact, Barria is the youngest Angels player to make their debut since Mike Trout in 2011.

However, Barria did show some command issues during the game allowing three walks. Also, his lone hit he gave up was a homer to Rangers’ Ryan Rua in the third inning. Regardless, Barria shows excellent poise recovering from the homerun and was pulled early despite a fair pitch count at 71.

Although Barria had a successful MLB debut, the Angels will be optioning Barria back to AAA Salt Lake according to Taylor Blake Ward.

Barria still has options left on his contract which is why the Angels are making the move to option him. The move also helps make room for pitcher Nick Tropeano, who is scheduled to pitch Thursday. But, with the Angels pitching staff consistently sustaining injuries, it’s nice to know that the Angels have some starting pitching depth ready to step in.

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The 21-year-old right hander is off to a hot start in his young baseball career. Just last season, Barria started at Class A+ San Bernardino. Barria pitched well enough to earn a roster spot on AAA Salt Lake’s roster by the end of the season. Between three levels, Barria sports a 2.80 ERA with 117/31 K/BB in 142 innings.

Barria doesn’t have the stuff to blow away hitters. His fastball sits around 93 and he works in his changeup, curve and slider pitches every now and then. However, Barria’s strength is his obvious presence on the mound and his command ability despite the three walks.

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With JC Ramirez out for the season, and both Matt Shoemaker and Andrew Heaney sustaining injuries, the Angels can finally be optimistic about their starting pitching depth.