RADIO
Ryan Zeferjahn Earns Save for Angels, Emerging as Worthy Stash Option
Right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn earned the save for the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, allowing one run on one hit and no walks or strikeouts to convert his third save of the season in five opportunities. Zeferjahn allowed a solo home run to Riley Greene, but was able to avoid any additional damage. On the season, Zeferjahn has a 4-3 record, 3.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, three saves, and seven holds on the season; however, this was his first save since June 12. The underlying data supports Zeferjahn's campaign, evidenced by his 3.14 xERA and .160 xBA, and he has elite swing-and-miss stuff with a 34.2 percent whiff rate and 31.8 percent strikeout rate. His control, on the other hand, has been awful: 15.2 percent (fourth percentile). Zeferjahn's main competition for saves is Kirby Yates, who has converted on three of his six save opportunities and has a 3.74 ERA. Ironically, Jordan Romano, who was cut by the team months ago, still leads the team in saves with four. The Angels have only recorded 12 saves on the season, but as far as who is getting the next one, Zeferjahn is clearly in the mix with Yates. In deeper formats, if you are struggling for saves, Zeferjahn should be on your radar.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Reid Detmers is Poised for a Second-Half Breakout
Across 114 2/3 innings (20 starts) so far this season, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers has recorded a 3-6 record with a 4.16 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts. The 27-year-old owns excellent underlying metrics, as he's logged a 27.4% strikeout rate with just a 7.4% walk rate. Detmers' xERA (3.38) and FIP (3.21) both suggest that he's been a bit unlucky in his results in 2026. The main issue for the left-hander has been his 66% strand rate, which is below the MLB average of 72%. If Detmers can do a little better job of navigating traffic on the bases in the second half of the season, his ERA may match up with his already stellar WHIP and strikeout rates. With just a few minor tweaks to his profile, Detmers could be in line for a second-half breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirby Yates Sees Struggles Continue on Friday, Takes Fifth Loss
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Kirby Yates racked up his third blown save and fifth loss of the season on Friday, allowing two earned runs in the ninth inning of his team's 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Across 21 2/3 innings in 2026, Yates has recorded a 0-5 record with a 3.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 28 strikeouts, and three saves. The veteran's underlying metrics are strong, as he's logged an impressive 30.8% strikeout rate with just an 8.8% walk rate. However, Yates' average fastball velocity is down to a career-worst 91.0 miles per hour. He's also run into some struggles in recent outings, allowing three earned runs over his last two innings pitched (three appearances). Yates remains the current closer to roster from the Angels. Still, fantasy managers may want to explore adding Angels right-handers Ryan Zeferjahn and/or Ben Joyce (shoulder) as potential replacement options.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
George Klassen is a Risky Stash to Target Entering Second Half
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen has endured some growing pains over his first two MLB starts. He is saddled with an 0-1 record, a 11.57 ERA, and a 3.64 WHIP. Klassen is doing his best to prove that he is worth another shot with the Angels while pitching with Triple-A Salt Lake. The numbers are much more respectable at Salt Lake with a 4-6 record and a 4.48 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, along with 64 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings. However, he has shown some progress in July, carrying a 3.06 ERA and a sharp 0.96 WHIP. Should Klassen continue to prove himself at Salt Lake, he could find his way into the Angels rotation. It's a risky play, but a stash could end up being beneficial for fantasy managers looking for a pitching edge. As of now, the former sixth-round selection is best viewed as a risky stash target in deeper leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Ben Joyce a Top Stash Option for Late-Season Saves?
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ben Joyce (shoulder) has yet to pitch in the big leagues this season as he works his way back from the shoulder surgery that has kept him out since May 2025. However, the 25-year-old began a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League before the All-Star break, so he could be on track to return to the Angels bullpen before the end of July. Joyce struggled in a limited sample size of innings in 2025 before suffering the shoulder injury. Still, he was an effective reliever for the Angels in 2024, recording a 2.08 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP with 33 strikeouts and four saves across 34 2/3 innings. Joyce is known for his electric fastball, which he threw at an average velocity of 102.4 miles per hour in 2024. Los Angeles has had difficulty filling its closer role so far this season, with right-handers Ryan Zeferjahn, Kirby Yates, and Sam Bachman currently sharing ninth-inning duties. If Joyce can prove he is fully healthy, he could be the favorite for saves with the Angels upon his return to the big leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walbert Urena Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Where Available
After opening 2026 in a relief role, Los Angeles Angels right-hander Walbert Urena was moved into the starting rotation in late April and has emerged as a breakout success story. Across 81 1/3 innings on the year, Urena has recorded a 5-7 record with a 2.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts. The 22-year-old's WHIP is elevated by his poor command, as he's allowed a 13% walk rate. However, Urena's ability to generate ground balls has helped him work around traffic on the bases. Urena owns a 54.8% ground ball rate and a 0.55 HR/9. While the young right-hander may see some regression in the second half of the season, his production to this point is hard to ignore. In any league where he remains available, Urena profiles as a worthy waiver wire pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is George Klassen a Stash Option Despite Control Issues?
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen's first half ended with a thud after allowing four earned runs on six hits and three walks while failing to strike out even a single batter in his last outing before the break. While the right-hander had been able to limit damage over his previous eight starts, pitching to a 2.27 ERA in 43 2/3 innings pitched, walks still plagued him for much of that run, conceding at least four walks in five of those eight contests. For the season, the Angels' fourth-ranked prospect has recorded a 4.48 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and a lowly 6.6 percent K-BB% across 16 starts. The 6-foot-2 hurler already debuted with the team earlier this season without much success, yielding six earned runs on seven hits and 10 walks in just 4 2/3 IP (six strikeouts). The 24-year-old will likely get another shot in the majors this season, and if he can get his command under control, his fantasy outlook may improve. Until then, however, he's a risky speculative stash for pitching-needy managers in deeper 12+ team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Should Fantasy Managers Look to Sell High on Zach Neto?
Across 423 plate appearances so far in 2026, Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is hitting .235/.326/.453 with 19 home runs, 45 RBI, 67 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. The 25-year-old owns a strong 13% barrel rate and should have a solid chance of reaching 30 home runs for the first time in his career if he stays healthy in the second half of the season. However, Neto's batting average floor could be a concern. His strikeout rate is up to a career-worst 31.4%, and his 22.1-degree average launch angle has led to his hard-hit rate dipping to 39.3%. Neto has also been caught stealing eight times in 20 attempts, which could lead to less aggression on the basepaths going forward. Neto is locked into everyday playing time at the top of the Angels lineup and remains a reliable provider of power and counting stats, making him a very useful fantasy shortstop. Still, fantasy managers may want to consider selling high on Neto at the All-Star break, given the riskiness of his profile.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Angels Take Two-Way Player Jared Grindlinger With 12th Overall Selection
The Los Angeles Angels are selecting left-handed pitcher/outfielder Jared Grindlinger with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. While listed as a two-way player in MLB.com's pre-draft pipeline rankings, the 17-year-old was announced as an outfielder when selected, suggesting the team may view his long-term role on the offensive side of the game. Grindlinger, who is a University of Tennessee commit, began his baseball career as a catcher but has since shifted to a two-way role. Per his MLB.com scouting report, Grindlinger's fastball has hit 95 MPH, and he possesses a 60-grade changeup. On the hitting side, Grindlinger does not project to be a high-power hitter (40 grade), but given his young age, his raw power could continue to climb as he progresses through the lower levels. Dynasty managers should continue to keep a close eye on the young prospect, as the Angels may provide him with various roles at the lower levels.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Travis d'Arnaud Runs the Bases
Los Angeles Angels catcher Travis d'Arnaud (foot) has progressed in his recovery from plantar fasciitis. First, on July 5, he resumed swinging a bat and throwing a baseball. Less than a week later, he ran the bases for the first time on Friday, a significant milestone as he continues to work his way back to the field. Limited in his playing time before the injury, the 37-year-old is still working to return from this significant injury and play again in 2026. While the Angels already have Logan O'Hoppe and Tyler Heineman, neither has run away with the job as an effective, fantasy-relevant catcher, making d'Arnaud a viable option only in deeper two-catcher leagues if he can return. That said, his offensive game is limited, making him a volume play at best.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kirby Yates Bounces-Back to Earn Third Save, Still the Top Option in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday to earn the save against the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old surrendered a one-out double to Trevor Larnach before retiring the final two batters of the game. The save was Yates' third of the season, and he has provided a stable presence in an otherwise unsettled Angels bullpen. On the year, he owns a 3.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP while posting a 32.6% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate across 21 innings. Fantasy managers are encouraged to add Yates in all formats, as he is currently the Angels' most trusted option at the back end of the bullpen.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kirby Yates Takes Fourth Loss, is he Falling Out of Angels Closer Committee?
Los Angeles Angels reliever Kirby Yates picked up his fourth loss of the season on Thursday, entering the contest with the game tied in the ninth inning and allowing two hits and one earned run in one-third of an inning. Yates now owns a solid 3.15 ERA and 1.00 WHIP on the season with two saves in four opportunities. Considering Yates has been sharp overall this season, and this was his first run allowed since June 8, he should remain the leader in the reliever room to pick up saves. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki appears to be committed to a closer for the most part, as evidenced by his selection of Jordan Romano as the closer earlier this season, even as Romano posted a 10.13 ERA in six save opportunities. At 39 years old, Yates may not be as sharp as he once was, but he appears to be the clear closer for the Angels at this time, as Ryan Zeferjahn appears to be his biggest competition, and he hasn't picked up a save since June 12, while Yates picked up his most recent save on June 27. The biggest downfall for Yates here is that the Angels have had only 27 save opportunities this season and are 37-57.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jo Adell Stays Hot With Two Homers in Rout of Rangers
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell stayed hot at the plate in the team's 13-1 blowout win over the division-rival Texas Rangers on Wednesday on the road at Globe Life Field, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI, three runs scored, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .251 and his OPS to .703. The 27-year-old right-handed slugger is now up to 13 homers, 52 RBI, 42 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 92 games across 385 plate appearances in 2026 in his seventh year in the majors. He's added a .296 on-base percentage and .407 slugging percentage. After three hitless games to begin July, Adell is now on a three-game hit streak, and he's batting .276 (16-for-58) with three homers, three doubles, a triple, 11 RBI, and six runs scored in his last 15 games, dating back to June 20. Adell has lowered his strikeout rate to 22.1% this year, but his walk rate sits at a career-low 2.9%, which makes him a drain in OBP leagues. The former first-rounder can be streaky, but he proved last year by hitting 37 homers and driving in 98 runs that he can carry a fantasy squad with his power when he's on.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mike Trout Back From the Injured List
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that they reinstated outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list before their game against the division-rival Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment in a corresponding move. Trout is serving as the Angels' designated hitter and will bat second in Wednesday's game against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star makes his return to the Halos' lineup without going on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing almost three weeks with a strained right hamstring. Although the former 25th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft has had a resurgent 2026 season, nobody is expecting him to return to an MVP level the rest of the way, and injuries will probably continue to be an issue. But fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups after he has hit .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs, and seven steals in his 265 at-bats this year. Trout is hitting .200 with an RBI in just five career at-bats against Gore.
Source: Angels PR
Source: Angels PR
Denzer Guzman a Deep-League Power Target on Waivers?
Los Angeles Angels third baseman/shortstop Denzer Guzman is not exactly forcing his way into shallow-league lineups yet, but there is enough here for fantasy managers in deeper formats to pay attention. The 22-year-old hit his way back to Los Angeles after slashing .336/.403/.571 with 12 homers, 57 RBI, and nine steals over 58 games at Triple-A Salt Lake, and the Angels gave him a real look at third base once he arrived. Through 91 major-league at-bats, Guzman is batting .253/.306/.385 with three homers, 13 RBI, eight runs, and one steal. The profile still needs some patience. His 7.4% barrel rate, 35.3% hard-hit rate, and 86.9 mph average exit velocity do not scream instant breakout, but the minor-league production and regular at-bats give him a path to matter. Rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues, Guzman is more of a 15-team corner/middle-infield flier for cheap power than a player managers need to chase in standard formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
