Grindlinger passed his physical exam, signed for a bonus of just under $5.9 million, and took batting practice alongside Mike Trout and Logan O’Hoppe at Angel Stadium before the team’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
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“It’s been surreal,” said Grindlinger, a product of Huntington Beach High who considers himself an Angels fan. “Growing up, we’d sit right above (the third-base dugout). We had season tickets. I remember getting yelled at for putting my feet on the dugout or something. It’s definitely nice to be on this side of the field.”
The Angels selected Grindlinger with the 12th overall pick in the draft and announced that they will start him in the minors as an outfielder. The left-hander also pitched in high school.
Interim general manager John Mozeliak said Grindlinger, 17, will report to Tempe, Ariz., for the Angels’ “bridge camp,” which is akin to spring training in the summer for some of the youngest prospects. They play three games a week.
He will spend most of that time getting “acclimated” to life as a professional. That began with a workout on Friday. He stretched with the major leaguers and then participated in a normal round of batting practice, alternating turns in the cage with players he has watched for years.
“It definitely is (nerve-wracking),” Grindlinger said. “I just like to stay calm.”
Grindlinger said the best advice he got from the major leaguers was “just have fun. It’s a kid’s game. Definitely have fun and stick with your routines.”
The experience Grindlinger had on Friday was relatively new to the Angels. While it’s common for many teams to bring top draft picks to work out with the big leaguers, former GM Perry Minasian subscribed to the theory that it was best to keep the prospects out of the spotlight until they had started their careers.
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“Where I come from, we tend to take that first-round player, give them this experience because we think it’s something that’s cool,” Mozeliak said. “More importantly, if it was in your backyard, how much better would it be? I definitely wanted him to experience this and he’ll never forget it. But now, once you sign this contract, it’s a job. You go to work. He and I talked a little bit earlier about expectations and how to manage that and how to get through it. We’re certainly excited for him to get it going.”
Although the Grindlinger deal is the first one the Angels have announced, they are expected to finish deals with most of their draft class this weekend. Grindlinger’s deal was for the exact slot value for the No. 12 pick.
NOTES
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud (plantar fasciitis) was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday night. “He was excited to head to Salt Lake and get into a routine of playing and stuff and hopefully he’ll be back soon,” Manager Kurt Suzuki said. …
Right-handed reliever Ben Joyce (shoulder surgery) pitched a third game in the Arizona Complex League on Thursday night. Suzuki said they aren’t sure when Joyce will move up to a full-season affiliate. …
Infielder Adam Frazier (elbow) is nearing a rehab assignment, Suzuki said. …
Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (shoulder) threw a bullpen session. Kikuchi is expected to face hitters soon. He said earlier this month that he was hoping to be back in early August.
UP NEXT
Tigers (LHP Tarik Skubal, 5-5, 3.09 ERA) at Angels (RHP Grayson Rodriguez, 3-2, 7.55 ERA), Saturday, 7:07 p.m., ABTV, 830 AM
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