Tue Apr 01 03:20:00 UTC 2025: **Angels Call Up Undrafted Rookie Ryan Johnson to Major League Roster**
ANAHEIM, CA – In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Los Angeles Angels announced today that they will be adding 2024 second-round draft pick Ryan Johnson to their major league roster. The right-handed pitcher will bypass the minor leagues entirely, making him only the third player in recent history to achieve this feat.
Johnson, who signed for a $1.74 million bonus last summer, impressed the Angels during spring training, pitching 11 1/3 innings with a 3.97 ERA, allowing five runs on 11 hits and one walk while striking out 10 batters. This rapid ascent follows a successful collegiate career at Dallas Baptist University, where he compiled a 3.46 ERA over 252 innings.
The Angels, known for their aggressive approach to promoting top prospects, have a recent history of fast-tracking players to the majors. This includes names like Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, Chase Silseth, and Ben Joyce, all of whom reached the big leagues within a year or less. While the team’s decision to promote Johnson without minor league experience has drawn criticism from some quarters, the Angels are betting on Johnson’s polished college performance and his potential as a high-velocity reliever.
Johnson’s addition bolsters an Angels bullpen that already includes high-profile names like Kenley Jansen and Ben Joyce. The move comes after the team released outfielder Mickey Moniak, freeing up a 40-man roster spot. While some question the reliance on spring training performance to justify such a bold move, the Angels’ front office clearly believes in Johnson’s potential to contribute immediately. The team’s decision marks a significant gamble, and the coming weeks will reveal whether it pays off.
First Piper 