RADIO
Angels Promote Samy Natera Jr., Will he Compete for High-Leverage Role?
The Los Angeles Angels are promoting rookie left-handed pitching prospect Samy Natera Jr. to the majors on Friday, according to Milb Central. Natera gets his first major-league promotion after going 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 44:18 K:BB with one save in 30 innings pitched out of the bullpen at Triple-A Salt Lake. The 26-year-old Mexican native will take the roster spot of pitcher Shaun Anderson, who has been designated for assignment. Natera was originally a 17th-round selection by the Halos in 2022 out of New Mexico State University. In his four minor-league seasons in the Angels system, Natera has posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, nine saves, 271 strikeouts, and 113 walks in 192 2/3 innings pitched across 96 appearances (24 starts). In Anaheim, he will most likely handle lower-leverage situations, and he won't be guaranteed to stick around long, so fantasy managers can ignore Natera for now. Natera is not included as one of the Angels' top-30 prospects at MLB Pipeline.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Kirby Yates Emerging as Priority Closer to Roster in Angels Bullpen?
Los Angeles Angels veteran closer Kirby Yates is starting to look like a sneaky waiver wire priority for managers chasing saves. The 39-year-old has a track record of closing (98 career saves entering 2026) and has already picked up his 99th save in limited action this season. With Robert Stephenson and Ben Joyce dealing with injuries early on, Yates has a clear path to high-leverage work and save chances under manager Kurt Suzuki, who has been vocal about his trust in the veteran. The right-hander opened the season on the shelf with a knee injury, which allowed Ryan Zeferjahn and Jordan Romano (who was designated for assignment in late April) to operate as the primary ninth-inning options. With limited competition in this current bullpen, Yates has a clear path to quickly claim this role. During the 2024 season, Yates showed promise in the closer role for the Rangers, tallying 33 saves with a 1.17 ERA. Even though he has endured some growing pains since returning from injury (4.32 ERA over 8 1/3 frames), his high-leverage experience gives him the edge to emerge as the ninth-inning option in this bullpen.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirby Yates Takes Loss on Monday, Will He Remain the Lead Option for Saves?
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates gave up one earned run on two hits in the ninth inning on Monday, taking the loss as his team fell to the Rockies, 9-8. Yanes gave up a single to Kyle Karros and a double to Jake McCarthy before the game-winning sacrifice fly from T.J. Rumfield. Yates was entering the game in a non-save situation after a wild eighth inning, in which the Rockies scored five times to take the lead, and the Angels answered with two runs to tie the game back up when Yates entered. The 39-year-old righty has a 4.32 ERA and 4.04 FIP in his nine games this season, and before Monday, he allowed just one run in his previous six appearances. He has only had a single save this season since the Angels don't present a ton of opportunities, but he'll likely remain the top closer for now in the absence of any other experienced options at the back of the bullpen.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kirby Yates Earns Save for Angels, Worth Monitoring in Deeper Leagues?
Los Angeles Angels veteran reliever Kirby Yates picked up his first save of the season in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. The right-hander delivered a clean ninth inning and struck out one batter while continuing his recent turnaround after an uneven start to the year. Yates now carries a 4.26 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, but his recent appearances have looked far more encouraging than his early-season results. The 39-year-old could begin seeing more save opportunities as Angels closer Ryan Zeferjahn has struggled with a 10.13 ERA in his last three appearances. Yates has extensive late-inning experience and may quickly become a fantasy option for managers searching for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ryan Zeferjahn Rising In Angels Bullpen?
Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn is looking like the favorite for ninth-inning duties as of late. The 28-year-old locked up the Halos' most recent save back on May 5, and has been one of the team's only effective arms out of the bullpen this season. Zeferjahn has taken his share of lumps already this season and currently sports a 4.15 ERA, but in his last four appearances has allowed zero runs, one hit, and three walks to eight strikeouts. The hard-throwing righty is striking out batters at a 32.2% clip, and he has excelled at limiting hard contact. Save opportunities for the Angels will come few and far between, but Zeferjahn could be of use for fantasy managers needing help in the category.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
