SAN FRANCISCO — The next time the Angels need a starting pitcher — perhaps shortly after the Aug. 3 trade deadline — George Klassen has put himself at the front of the line.
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The right-hander had another strong outing on Saturday night at Triple-A, allowing two runs in 6 ⅔ innings, with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Over his last 11 starts at Triple-A, Klassen has a 2.67 ERA, which is even more exceptional in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League.
Klassen started twice in the majors in April, posting an 11.57 ERA with 10 walks in 4⅔ innings. His control has improved over the past couple months in the minors. Saturday’s game was his first one this season with no walks.
“I think he’s controlling the zone a little bit better,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “I think he’s throwing more strikes, which, obviously with the stuff he has, that’s a big thing for thing. He’s obviously on a heater right now.”
It might not be long before that heater earns him a return trip to the majors.
Right-handers Grayson Rodriguez (8.54 ERA) and Ryan Johnson (7.34) have both been inconsistent in the big league rotation.
The Angels are also expected to field offers for right-hander José Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers before the trade deadline.
Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is also getting closer to being an option to fill a spot in the rotation. On Saturday, Kikuchi faced hitters for the second time in his rehab from a shoulder problem. The next step could be a minor league rehab assignment.
NO NEWS
Interim GM John Mozeliak dismissed a note in USA Today that he is “now expected to stay on the job.”
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When the Angels fired GM Perry Minasian in June, they signed Mozeliak to a contract that runs until December. He was tasked with leading them through the draft and the trade deadline, and helping to find a new person to lead the baseball operations.
“Nothing’s been determined right now,” Mozeliak said of the report. “I know what I signed up for. I know what we agreed to, and I’m going to continue working every day to honor that.”
Asked if he’s still planning to “search for a full-time GM after the trade deadline,” Mozeliak said: “As of right now, yes.”
It’s still possible that Mozeliak could remain in some sort of advisory or special assistant job, even after another GM is hired.
NOTES
Catcher Sebastian Rivero (left hamate fracture) began a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday night. He had three hits, including a homer. …
Milwaukee Brewers sensation Jacob Misiorowski started on Sunday, so he would be in line to pitch against the Angels during next weekend’s series at Angel Stadium.
UP NEXT
Astros (RHP Tatsuya Imai, 6-4, 5.59) at Angels (RHP Walbert Ureña, 6-7, 2.78), Monday, 6:38 p.m., ABTV, 830 AM
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