Angel "Shohei Ohtani Replacement" went straight to the major leagues and set a crazy record

The new MLB season is coming, and the teams have made a public 26-man roster for the opening game, and the Angels have made a surprising move to bring the 22-year-old rookieRyan JohnsonIncluded in the opener's list,Ryan JohnsonHe was promoted to the major leagues without pitching at any level in the minor leagues, the third player in the 21st century. Other than thatRyan JohnsonIt is a player selected by the Angels for the compensatory draft pick obtained by "Shohei Ohtani" and is called a replacement for Shohei Ohtani.

At this time last year, Ryan Johnson was a junior at Dallas Baptist University and had little experience playing in college. This Tuesday, he officially became a major league player. Johnson is a second-round pick from the Angels last year with a compensation sign from Shohei Ohtani. The two went head-to-head in spring training on Monday night, with Johnson striking the second-star with a good shot.

"He's proven to be mature, despite not having any professional experience," said head coach Ron Washington, "and he's got a good shot, he's not afraid and he knows how to adjust." I think he's a good fit for our cowshed. This is not an opportunity for us to give him a handout, it is for him to earn it himself. "

So, when did the right-hand pitcher, who had a 3.97 ERA in six games in spring training, realize that he could be on the opening roster?

"I thought it was unbelievable until now," Johnson, who ranked No. 7 on MLB Pipeline Angel Farm, said Tuesday, "and I never thought 'I'm going to make it.'" It was completely beyond my imagination, and I thought I would have to wait at least three or four years. "

"It's crazy," he said of his rapid promotion, "and it's completely unreal, it's completely different from what I imagined." I thought it was going to be a long process, but now it's all coming too fast. "

On Tuesday, the "Crazy Road" brought him into Ron Washington's office, and General Manager Perry Minacian and Washington told him the news directly.

"Washington and Perry were sitting there and telling me, 'That's it, you're on the squad,'" Mr. Johnson said, "and that moment was so unreal." I went back to the locker room and messaged my wife and everyone I knew: 'Hey, I did it. It's crazy. "

Now, Johnson will go straight into the major leagues without any experience in professional baseball — he didn't play in the Angels' minor league system after being drafted last year. He became the 24th player in MLB history to be promoted to a major league without a minor league, and the first since Garrett Croce in 2020. The last Angels to achieve this feat was Jim Abbott on the left in 1989.

Johnson also has a chance to extend the Angels' record of having the first player to make a major league debut in the draft for the fourth year in a row, following Nolan Sanur in 2023, Zach Neto in 2022 and Chase Silces in 2021.

Minacian said the team eventually plans to use Johnson as the starting pitcher, but will initially have him in the bullpen.

"He deserves it. He shot well throughout spring training," Minacian said Tuesday ahead of the Angels' 4-1 loss to the Dodgers, "and he acted like a professional." The work ethic is exactly what we expect from this draft pick. We think he's got weapons to the left and right and will help us win. "

When asked if it thought the power gap between the minor and major leagues had narrowed in recent years, Washington answered "no" in no uncertain terms. He said it made Johnson's story even more impressive.

"Sometimes, special geniuses come along. We think Johnson is such a special being," Washington said, "and now it is up to him on the floor to prove that we are right." The job was earned by him. We don't just give him a chance to give it a try. "

"He deserves to play, he deserves this opportunity," Washington continued, "because number one, he can shoot well; Second, despite the beginning of his career, he is mature and I believe that anything that happens on the court will not bother him. If he gets into trouble, we'll do it like any other player – take him off. "

The Angels announced a number of roster changes
Minacian announced a number of roster changes ahead of the Angels' Spring Training finale against the Dodgers on Tuesday:

2016 No. 1 pick, outfielder Mitch Moniac was released, while Tim Anderson, Karen Parris and Rule Five draft pick Garrett McDaniels were all on the roster. Left pitchers Angel Perdomo and José Kihada were designated to surrender.

The Angels also signed veteran Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract. Washington said Lopez will play all of the infield positions except the catchers, while Anderson and Kevin Newman will share second base and shortliners before Neto's return after offseason surgery. Paris will play as the fourth outfielder, initially playing 1-2 times a week.

The Angels also have a roster vacancy. Minacian said they are awaiting a final decision on third baseman Yoan Moncada, who is being treated for a right thumb injury. Moncada took part in percussion practice on Tuesday afternoon, but hasn't competed in two weeks.

If Moncada can't make it to the opener, Matthew Lugo could well secure the last spot on the roster.