Delgado Took A Step Back To Step Forward

ANAHEIM—The numbers would indicate that 20-year-old outfield prospect Natanael Delgado took a step back in 2015.

Delgado, who signed with the Angels out of the Dominican Republic in 2013, compiled a .301/.333/.464 slash line with three home runs, 21 RBIs, 34 strikeouts and five walks in 38 games for Rookie-level Orem in an injury shortened 2014.

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The lefthanded-hitting Delgado was promoted to low Class A Burlington in 2015 and compiled a .241/.276/.355 slash line with six homers, 46 RBIs, 104 strikeouts and 19 walks in 108 games.

“His strikeouts were high, and his walks are low,” said Bobby Scales, the former farm director who was recently promoted to special assistant to the general manager. “Hopefully, that’s something we can clean up.”

Delgado’s swing also needed to be cleaned, and the significant changes he made under the direction of Burlington hitting coach Ryan Barba last season probably contributed to Delgado’s struggles at the plate.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Delgado had what Scales described as “a really awkward grip” on the bat. Delgado sat a little too low in his stance, and his shoulder and neck were tucked inward, restricting him. Just raising his hands slightly helped free Delgado up, but it took months before he was fully comfortable.

“The numbers weren’t great,” Scales said, “but it’s tough for a kid who has had success to buy into the changes we feel he needs to make to reach the ultimate goal. He and Ryan have forged a really good bond. There’s a lot of trust there.”

Delgado also changed his eating habits and adjusted his exercise program in an effort to improve his agility. He already has good raw power, makes hard contact and hits to all fields, and his doubles and home runs should increase as he gets bigger and stronger and continues to refine his swing.

ANGEL FOOD

• The Angels claimed three players on waivers in late December: utility infielder Rey Navarro from the Orioles and lefthanded relievers Rob Rasmussen from the Mariners and Bobby LaFromboise from the Pirates.

• To make room on the 40-man roster for the additions, the Angels outrighted righthanded reliever A.J. Achter, a waiver claim from the Phillies, to Triple-A Salt Lake and released catcher Rafael Lopez.