Angels’ Aldegheri set to make history during MLB debut

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Angels, sitting at 55-79 and in last place in the American League West, are clearly shifting the team’s focus to the future, calling up two promising young pitchers to the major leagues this weekend.

Left-hander Sam Aldegheri, 22, will make history Friday night as the first Major League Baseball player born and raised in Italy when he starts against the Seattle Mariners. 

“I’ve spent time in Italy doing clinics, they’re baseball starved. I think if they can get this game tonight, the ratings are going to go up in Italy,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “This kid has poise… he does have the stuff to be out there.

"Now it’s a matter of how he can use it.”

On Sunday, 20-year-old right-hander Caden Dana, the team's top prospect, will also make his MLB debut against the Mariners and he’s glad he has sometime to get acclimated before his start, unlike Aldegheri who joined the team Friday.

“Sam’s going in raw today but I’m sure he’s going to do great," Dana said. "I’m glad I’m here a couple days early to see the environment, be a part of it and know what I’m coming into on Sunday."

Back at the Big A for @Angels coverage!

Samuel Aldegheri is slated to start on the mound and become the first Italian-born and raised pitcher in MLB history. #RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/1XF0D2iP8X

— Anthony Bautista (@byanthonyba) August 30, 2024

Dana and Aldegheri were teammates for about a month before they got called up, but one thing stood out.

“I know he’s confident," Dana said. "Obviously, he’s from Italy, so he doesn’t have too many people to play catch with back home so I picked his brain about that.

"I liked hearing his story about how he became who he is today. I think it’s really special. He’s very confident, that’s the first thing I noticed.”

Aldegheri, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline in exchange for reliever Carlos Estévez, has shown significant potential this season. In 19 starts across three levels, he has compiled a 3.59 ERA and a 3.27 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

Known for his effective breaking ball, Aldegheri has the tools to become a key piece of the Angels' rotation moving forward. His path to the majors included a breakout year, striking out 109 batters in 78 innings in Class A and Double-A with the Phillies before being traded. Since joining the Angels' Double-A affiliate, he struck out 25 batters in 17.1 innings over four starts.

Dana, who was drafted in the 11th round in 2022 out of Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey, has been equally impressive in Double-A this season. Over 135.2 innings, he posted a 2.52 ERA and a strong 3.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio, with 147 strikeouts against 39 walks. 

To make room, the Angels designated right-hander Johnny Cueto for assignment and transferred right-hander Jose Marte to the 60-day IL. The team also placed right-hander Carson Fulmer on the 15-day IL because of inflammation in his throwing elbow.

Washington said the decision to DFA Cueto was difficult. 

“He had tremendous influence on our young pitchers, their work ethic, how they do bull pens and all types of stuff," Washington said. "He was willing to give up his wisdom and knowledge. He did that. 

"So it was hard, but we’re at that point in the year where changes happen.” 

The decision to promote talent is in line with the Angels' recent trend of fast-tracking their best young talent to the majors. The organization has previously brought up young players — like shortstop Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel and recently right-hander Ben Joyce on accelerated timelines — underscoring their commitment to developing a new core of young players.

Dana said he feels more comfortable around other players close in age.

“It definitely makes me comfortable," Dana said, "having young talent makes the environment more fun.”