Angels recall major league veterans Jared Walsh, David Fletcher; demote prospects Adams, Paris
The Los Angeles Angels have selected the contracts of major league veterans Jared Walsh and David Fletcher from Triple-A Salt Lake.
The Angels also sent prospects Kyren Paris and Jordyn Adams back to Salt Lake and designated reliever Gerardo Reyes for assignment.
Walsh was an All-Star in 2021, but the first baseman struggled with headaches, insomnia and other neurological woes this season while batting .119 in 28 games. The Angels designated Walsh for assignment in July, but he went unclaimed and accepted an outright assignment to Salt Lake, where he has batted .217 with nine homers.
Fletcher was a regular infield starter for 3 1/2 seasons for the Angels, but he struggled last year and needed hip surgery. He fell out of favor this year and spent most of the season in Salt Lake after Los Angeles promoted shortstop prospect Zach Neto.
Fletcher is under contract through 2025, but he didn't appear to be in the Angels' long-term plans this season.
Adams and Paris have both struggled at the plate in their first taste of the major leagues. Adams has just five singles and 14 strikeouts in 33 plate appearances, while Paris is batting .094 in 13 major league games.
The moves should be a small benefit to the Angels' attempt to avoid paying the luxury tax this season. Los Angeles is thought to be right near the tax threshold after dumping five veterans on waivers, including Lucas Giolito and Hunter Renfroe, two weeks ago.
The Angels (68-79) are all but mathematically certain to miss the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season as they open a weekend home series against Detroit on Friday. Los Angeles and the Tigers have both missed eight consecutive postseasons, most in the majors.