The Los Angeles Angels won their third game of the MLB season on Monday, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in extra innings. Los Angeles is 3-1 through four games, off to a great start after dropping a team record 99 games previous season.
While the Angels made some exterior changes this offseason, they were equally aggressive in their internal promotions. This includes the decision to add Ryan Johnson, a right-handed bullpen pitcher, on the Opening Day roster after no MiLB games. Johnson was drafted in the second round by the Angels in 2024 and advanced to the major leagues after six Spring Training appearances.
With Monday’s game going into extra innings and the Angels having used a lot of relievers in their opening series in Chicago, Johnson was called on in the tenth inning for his first career save attempt. Johnson secured the save and capped off the win for Los Angeles, making MLB history in the process. “Among all MLB players to go straight from the Draft to the Majors without playing in the minor leagues, Ryan Johnson is the first to record his first career save within his first two games,” the Angels said in a statement.
The Angels are notorious for being proactive with newly drafted talents, such as first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who was elevated to the majors after only 22 minor league games. The Angels are looking for a spark to help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They are depending on a mix of veterans and young players.
