Angels fire veteran All-Star pitcher after his long-shot comeback effort fails.
While most of the attention around the Los Angeles Angels’ spring training (and any club’s camp in general) is
focused on the players on the major league roster who have a realistic chance of making the team, there are many players who arrive at camp who are essentially lottery tickets. Is it ever likely that they will make the team? No, however non-roster invitees do occasionally make it to the major leagues despite flameouts elsewhere, past injuries, or even playing overseas.
Drew Pomeranz finds himself at spring training this year among a bunch of prospects with short chances. Pomeranz was adding a lovely small
Together in the major leagues from 2014 to 2020, even as he gradually turned into a bullpen arm. Unfortunately, repeated operations for a flexor tendon issue in his throwing arm prevented him from making a single major league appearance between 2021 and the present.
After suffering a setback with the Padres last season that prevented him from touching the mound again, Pomeranz found himself at a crossroads in his career, and he signed a minor-league contract with the Angels to attempt to rescue it. After posting a 5.63 ERA in nine outings this spring, the Angels opted to dismiss him.
Angels News: LA releases Drew Pomeranz, calling his future into question.
Given the condition of the Angels’ pitching rotation, Pomeranz may have made the roster if he had performed well this spring. However, he faced long odds after suffering repeated arm injuries that he failed to recover from. Pomeranz’s release now permits him to try to hook on with another team on a minor-league deal before the season begins, and he hopes to earn a chance.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Pomeranz’s career came to an end here. Sure, he could probably find a way to start the season on a minor-league deal with a bad team, but it’s evident that all of the injuries have taken a toll on him, and there’s little chance he’ll ever be able to contribute in the big leagues.
Could he make his way back to the major leagues? Sure, but it’s a long shot, and it won’t be with the Angels right now.
