Los Angeles Angels take worthwhile gamble on Jake Faria

The Los Angeles Angels are hoping that a change of scenery can work wonders for Jake Faria.

The Los Angeles Angels are in desperate need of pitching. Their rotation has plenty of holes, and the bullpen is, to put it kindly, a work in progress. While the Angels have taken a step towards fixing their continual pitching woes with the acquisition of Raisel Iglesias, plenty of work remains.

Even with that move, the Angels are not done shopping in the bargain bin in hope of a bargain. Their latest gamble comes in the form of Jake Faria, who is set to sign a minor league contract.

Faria will likely receive an invite to the major league portion of spring training as well. With several holes in the Angels pitching staff, and the questionable health of their starters, Faria could end up getting a long look for a spot in the rotation. If not, he could end up with a role in the bullpen.

It was not that long ago that he appeared to be a building block for the Rays. He posted a 3.43 ERA and a 1.177 WHiP in 86.2 innings as a rookie, striking out 84 batters with 31 walks. However, he was unable to maintain that success, continuing to struggle in the majors until he was sent to the Brewers for Jesus Aguilar.

Faria’s time in Milwaukee was a disaster. He allowed 12 runs, 11 earned, on 18 hits and five walks in just 8.2 innings in 2019, striking out eight. Even with the Brewers’ own pitching issues, he did not return to the majors in 2020, eventually releasing him in September.

For the Angels, it is a worthwhile gamble. Faria would make roughly the league minimum if he did crack the major league roster and has several years of team control left. If he struggles, the Angels can cut bait without much of a concern.

The Los Angeles Angels are still looking to find more pitchers. Jake Faria is worth a look as a lottery ticket.