The Angels introduced this afternoon that they’ve chosen the contract of infielder Denzer Guzman from Triple-A. Utility infielder Scott Kingery was designated for task to make room for Guzman on the 40-man and lively rosters. As well as, Anaheim introduced that they’ve optioned outfielder Matthew Lugo to Triple-A and recalled infielder Christian Moore.
Guzman, 21, was signed by the Angels as an novice out of the Dominican Republic and made his skilled debut through the 2021 season. After hitting his method out of rookie ball in late 2022, Guzman started to climb the minor league ladder however typically didn’t present a lot promise with the bat. That was, not less than, till this yr, when Guzman loved a breakout on the Double- and Triple-A ranges. He’s slashed .247/.343/.426 in 129 video games between these two ranges this yr, with 30 doubles, 17 homers, and a 14-17 report on the bases. A few of that breakout appears to have been fueled by the inflated offensive setting discovered within the Pacific Coast League, however given Guzman’s youth its nonetheless spectacular that he’s been capable of maintain his personal offensively within the higher minors.
The overwhelming majority of Guzman’s work through the years has come at shortstop, although he does have a small quantity of expertise at third base as effectively. Within the quick time period, Guzman figures to fill in for Zach Neto at quick whereas the latter participant nurses a day-to-day damage. Trying into the longer term, nevertheless, Neto’s presence leaves a long-term roadblock to Guzman getting a lot time on the place within the majors. Maybe different spots across the infield may turn out to be out there as quickly as subsequent yr with Luis Rengifo and Yoan Moncada ticketed without spending a dime company this winter, and if that involves move then a powerful first impression for Guzman may get him into the dialog for a bigger position within the majors in 2026.
To make room for Guzman on the roster, the Angels are slicing ties with Kingery. The 31-year-old journeyman acquired his first MLB work since 2022 in with Anaheim this yr after signing an MLB deal, although he solely ended up showing in 19 video games as he slashed a brutal .148/.207/.185 with a 37.9% strikeout fee in 29 journeys to the plate. A former high prospect who signed an ill-fated extension with the Phillies to start his profession, Kingery appeared to take a step ahead and turn out to be a median common in 2019 however hit simply .144/.205/.250 throughout 52 MLB video games from 2020 to 2022. Assuming he goes unclaimed on waivers, Kingery can have the choice both elect free company or follow the Angels group within the minors for the rest of the yr.
As for Moore, the rookie returns to the majors with out having even used a minor league possibility, since his task lasted lower than 20 days. The eighth general decide of final yr’s draft debuted again in June and hit .195/.287/.336 in 39 video games for the Angels this yr between journeys to the injured record and Triple-A. As for Lugo, the 24-year-old made his MLB debut this yr however has hit simply .232/.243/.464 in 70 appearances, along with his glorious slugging numbers boosted by six extra-base hits in his first eight video games as an enormous leaguer.
