Angels top pitching prospect Caden Dana to debut Sunday

Field Level Media|published: Thu 29th August, 16:12 2024

MLB: Spring Training-Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels

Mar 3, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Caden Dana (91) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Angels will call up top pitching prospect Caden Dana from Double-A Rocket City and the 20-year-old will make his major league debut in Sunday's home game against the Seattle Mariners.

Dana went 9-7 with a 2.52 ERA in 23 starts (135 2/3 innings) at Rocket City. The hard-throwing former 11th-round draft pick in 2022 is 12-12 with a 3.01 ERA in 41 minor league starts over the past three seasons.

ESPN also reported Thursday that 22-year left-hander Sam Aldegheri will be called up and is expected to start Friday against the Mariners. Aldegheri will become the first pitcher born and raised in Italy to make a major league appearance.

Aldegheri was acquired from the Phillies at the trade deadline as part of the package that sent right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez to Philadelphia.

The Angels have not been shy about bringing young talent up to the major leagues in recent seasons, calling up starting shortstop Zach Neto early in 2023, less than a year after he was the team's first-round draft pick. First baseman Nolan Schanuel also was called up last season a mere two months after he was selected in the first round.

Aldegheri and Dana are set to face the Mariners, who entered play Thursday in second place in the American League West, 3 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros. Seattle was also 4 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot.

The last-place Angels are 55-79 after Thursday's victory over the Detroit Tigers and are close to securing the club's ninth consecutive losing season.

--Field Level Media