A second chance

Right-hander Hunter Strickland lasted only nine games with the Angels in 2021. He gave up nine runs in 6-1/3 innings and was designated for assignment.

“I wasn't really surprised,” said Strickland, who rejoined the Angels on a minor league deal on Saturday. “You saw the numbers. A small sample size for sure, but at the end of the day the best plays and we've got a job to do. I have a lot of respect for Perry (Minasian) and the organization. I get it. It's a business. I'm gonna make it a little better this time.”

Strickland, 35, has not pitched in the majors since 2022. He was in Triple-A with the Cincinnati Reds when he was released in May last year.

“Honestly, I thought I was done,” Strickland said. “I made peace with it. Just enjoying a summer at home, the first one since high school. Enjoying it with my family.”

Strickland decided he didn't want to give up on his career, so he worked out over the winter and threw a showcase, which the Angels attended. Strickland is now competing with veterans like Drew Pomeranz, Adam Kolarek, who are also on minor league deals, along with young pitchers like Andrew Wantz and Jimmy Herget, for the final spots in the Angels bullpen.

“Obviously it's a healthy competition, which is a good thing,” Strickland said. “It says a lot about what Perry and the organization is trying to do here. Ultimately, we're trying to win here, to bring a championship to Anaheim. Trying to pursue all options and have some depth, which I think is always important.”

Manager Ron Washington said the pitchers who are competing won't have the luxury of using spring training simply to work on things.

“Nolan Ryan can just `work on his stuff,'” Washington said. “I don't think we have Nolan Ryan in here. They're going to have to work on their stuff and be competitive at the same time.”