Angels call Up Pitching Prospect Ryan Johnson Directly to MLB, Skipping Minor Leagues
Los Angeles, CA – In a rare move, the Los Angeles Angels have named pitching prospect Ryan Johnson to their Opening Day roster, bypassing the minor leagues entirely. The 22-year-old right-hander, drafted in July, is set to make his MLB debut without any minor league experience.
From College to the Big Leagues
Johnson’s rapid ascent to the majors marks him as the 24th player in MLB history to achieve this feat. The Angels selected Johnson in the second round of the 2024 draft, using the compensatory pick they received after Shohei Ohtani’s departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Future Starter potential
Angels general manager Perry Minasian has indicated that the team envisions Johnson developing into a starting pitcher. Johnson himself described the experience as ”surreal,” stating, “Not even now do I really think it’s possible… It never even crossed my mind.”
Impressive Spring Training Performance
Johnson showcased his potential during spring training, pitching 11 1/3 innings across six games with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.059 WHIP.
Collegiate Success at Dallas Baptist
Before being drafted, Johnson spent three seasons at Dallas Baptist University, where he excelled as a junior with a 2.21 ERA and a 0.915 WHIP in 16 starts.
Trend of Fast-Tracking Talent
Johnson’s promotion aligns with a recent trend by the Angels of fast-tracking promising players to the majors. Shortstop Zach Neto and right-handed pitchers Chase Silseth and Ben Joyce are among those who were called up after just one year in the minors. First baseman Nolan Schanuel made the jump after only 40 days.
Rare Feat: Skipping the Minors
Johnson is the first MLB player to skip the minor leagues since Garrett Crochet, who debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 2020 shortly after being drafted. Crochet was later traded to the Boston Red Sox. Prior to Crochet, Mike Leake debuted for the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, also skipping the minor league system.
What is the significance of Ryan Johnson skipping the minor leagues and what are some other examples of this happening in recent MLB history?
Angels call Up Pitching Prospect Ryan Johnson Directly to MLB, Skipping Minor Leagues
Los Angeles, CA – In a rare move, the Los Angeles Angels have named pitching prospect Ryan Johnson to their Opening Day roster, bypassing the minor leagues entirely. the 22-year-old right-hander, drafted in July, is set to make his MLB debut without any minor league experience.
From College to the Big Leagues
Johnson’s rapid ascent to the majors marks him as the 24th player in MLB history to achieve this feat.The Angels selected Johnson in the second round of the 2024 draft, using the compensatory pick they received after Shohei Ohtani’s departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Future Starter potential
Angels general manager Perry Minasian has indicated that the team envisions Johnson developing into a starting pitcher. Johnson himself described the experience as ”surreal,” stating, “Not even now do I really think it’s possible… It never even crossed my mind.”
Impressive Spring Training Performance
Johnson showcased his potential during spring training, pitching 11 1/3 innings across six games with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.059 WHIP.
Collegiate Success at Dallas Baptist
Before being drafted, Johnson spent three seasons at Dallas Baptist University, where he excelled as a junior with a 2.21 ERA and a 0.915 WHIP in 16 starts.
Trend of Fast-Tracking Talent
Johnson’s promotion aligns with a recent trend by the Angels of fast-tracking promising players to the majors. Shortstop Zach Neto and right-handed pitchers Chase Silseth and Ben Joyce are among those who were called up after just one year in the minors. First baseman Nolan Schanuel made the jump after only 40 days.
Rare Feat: Skipping the Minors
Johnson is the first MLB player to skip the minor leagues since Garrett Crochet, who debuted with the Chicago White sox in 2020 shortly after being drafted. Crochet was later traded to the Boston Red Sox. Prior to Crochet, Mike Leake debuted for the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, also skipping the minor league system.
Q&A: Ryan Johnson’s Quick Ascent to the Majors
- Why did the Angels call up Ryan johnson directly to MLB?
- The Angels were impressed by Johnson’s performance in spring training, where he showcased his potential. they also see him as a key piece for the future and are fast-tracking his advancement.
- What were Johnson’s stats in spring training?
- He pitched 11 1/3 innings across six games with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.059 WHIP.
- How did the Angels acquire the draft pick used to select Johnson?
- The Angels received a compensatory pick in the 2024 draft after Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- What kind of pitcher is Johnson expected to be?
- The Angels envision Johnson developing into a starting pitcher.
- What’s the significance of skipping the minor leagues?
- It’s extremely rare. It shows the team’s belief in Johnson’s talent and readiness. Only 24 players in MLB history have achieved this feat, including Mike Leake and Garrett Crochet.
- What was Johnson’s college performance like?
- Johnson excelled at Dallas Baptist University, posting a 2.21 ERA and a 0.915 WHIP in his junior year.
- Who else has the Angels fast-tracked to the majors recently?
- Shortstop Zach Neto, and pitchers Chase Silseth and Ben Joyce, all of whom were called up after only one year in the minors. First baseman Nolan Schanuel made the jump after only 40 days.
Keep an eye on Ryan Johnson as he embarks on his MLB journey – his story is one to watch!
