Los Angeles Angels: Jared Walsh becomes second two way option

Intriguing prospect Jared Walsh made his debut with the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, becoming their second two way player.

When Shohei Ohtani returned to the lineup earlier this month, Justin Bour‘s days with the Los Angeles Angels were numbered. Between Ohtani’s ability with the bat last season, and Albert Pujols still being owed another $59 million over the next two seasons, it seemed inevitable that Bour would lose his spot on the roster.

That happened on Tuesday, when Bour was optioned to AAA. In his place, the Angels brought up the intriguing Jared Walsh, a second two way prospect. He was inserted right into the starting lineup, and was 3-5 out of the eighth slot in the lineup.

While Walsh is primarily a first baseman, he also has spent time at both corner outfield positions in his time in the minors. He certainly attracted attention with the bat this season, producing a solid .302/.398/.604 batting line with ten homers and 12 doubles in 166 plate appearances.

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What makes Walsh truly stand out is his work on the mound thus far. While he does not have extensive experience as a two way player, his 15 outings as a pitcher have been intriguing. Over the course of his 13.2 innings, he has allowed five runs, four earned, on 14 hits and six walks, striking out 15 batters.

He was not just an option in blowouts. Walsh was given action in close games as well, finishing 14 of the 15 contests he appeared in. Amongst those outings, he recorded two saves, and notched two wins of his own. Walsh has been more than just a novelty.

While Ohtani will not be back on the mound until next year, the potential emergence of Walsh gives the Angels a second two way threat. If he can produce at the major league level the way he did in the minors, he is another interesting matchup on the mound. He and Ohtani could, in theory, allow the Angels to play with the matchups, especially with Walsh as a lefty pitcher, compared to the right handed Ohtani.

Of course, Jared Walsh will need to prove himself in the majors. The Los Angeles Angels are giving him that chance.