THE GAME: The Angels’ top two pitching prospects had scoreless outings in their first big league exhibition games, but the Angels lost to Cincinnati Reds, 7-5, in an eight-inning game on Tuesday night in Goodyear, Ariz.
PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander Chris Rodriguez, the Angels’ second-best pitching prospect, followed starter Andrew Heaney to the mound and struck out the only two batters he faced, Kyle Holder and Joey Votto. Rodriguez was throwing his fastball 97-98 mph, and he whiffed Votto on a slider. “They were both very impressive,” Manager Joe Maddon said. “Their stuff was impressive. They were impressive. You can put your scout hat on and see that they are going to help us, and not in the distant future, in the near future.” … Left-hander Reid Detmers pitched a scoreless sixth, with a walk and a strikeout. It was the first appearance in a big-league exhibition game for the Angels’ top pitching prospect, who was drafted in the first round in 2020. Heaney started the game and gave up one run in 2-1/3 innings in his spring debut. Heaney was also pitching from the third base side of the rubber, having switched sides from last year. Heaney has gone back and forth throughout his career. “I think some of the directional stuff I’ve been working on works better on that side,” Heaney said. “The approach I want toward the plate is more efficient from that side.”
HITTING REPORT: The Angels faced Reds prospect Hunter Greene, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft out of Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks. David Fletcher led off by punching a 103 mph fastball down the right field line for a single. Jon Jay then walked and Jose Iglesias blasted a three-run homer. … Fletcher, who also walked, has reached base in all four of his plate appearances in his first two games, with three walks and a hit. … Taylor Ward blasted a two-run homer to right-center field, putting the Angels up 5-1 in the third. … Kean Wong bunted for a hit against the shift.
DEFENSE REPORT: First baseman Jose Rojas made a nice play charging on a slow hopper and shoveling the ball to the plate for a forceout, at the time preserving a one-run lead in the seventh. Rojas also dropped a perfect throw from third baseman Matt Thaiss for an error. … Jo Adell finished the game in left field, even though he’s primarily played right field in the majors.
UP NEXT: Angels vs. Texas Rangers, Wednesday, noon PT, Tempe Diablo Stadium, Fox Sports West, 830 AM
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