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Angels' Manager Predicted the Recent Call Up of Sam Bachman In Preseason

Originally posted on Los Angeles Angels on SI
By Noel Sanchez | Last updated 5/27/23

Sam Bachman, the former number nine overall pick in the 2021 draft for the Los Angeles Angels, made his big league debut on Friday. Even though the Halos fell 6-2 and Bachman one of the Marlins' runs, he still pitched two solid innings and struck out four batters.

LA has been displaying a lot of trust in their prospects this season to move up to the major league roster and make an immediate impact. Specifically with pitchers, they have been finding more success in the bullpen and this pattern is being followed with Bachman.

Over the past few years, the Angels' front office was committed to building a farm system mainly around the best pitching prospects they could find and that means they expect results earlier than usual.

It's also important to remember that Phil Nevin is serving in his first season as this team's manager and it's a very important one. The franchise is doing everything they can to show Shohei Ohtani why he should re-sign this offseason and that means LA needs depth all-around.

Well, Nevin actually spoke on Bachman specifically before the season opener and predicted that they would probably need his talents at some point during the 2023 campaign.

“If we get down to the middle or late in the season and need an arm like that — you’ve seen it many times,” said Nevin. “Guys come up from wherever they’re at, in a playoff run, you pick a big arm that’s going to help you late.”

(Via The Athletic)

Even though Bachman got called up sooner than Nevin expected, it could work out in everyone's favor. The 23-year-old will be able to get a feel for the game at its highest level just a few months into the year and be ready if he's needed in the playoffs.

It's going to be quite the exciting show in Anaheim in these next months.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Angels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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