Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington informed reporters on Tuesday afternoon that non-roster invite Miguel Sanó has made the Opening Day roster, per Greg Beacham of The Associated Press.
Sanó, who turns 31 in May, was in camp on a minor league deal. A corresponding move will have to be made to add him to the team’s 40-man roster.
Miguel Sano has made the Angels’ roster, Ron Washington confirms: “He’s very deserving.”
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) March 26, 2024
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Washington said. “He works his butt off and is very deserving of being on our roster.”
Sanó’s major league career began with the Minnesota Twins and was considered to be one of the most potent power hitters in the league. He hit 161 home runs from 2015 to 2021, which put him in the top 25 among all major leaguers during that stretch. But his career took a turn for the worse when he was plagued with injuries.
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In 2022, knee issues only allowed him to appear in 20 games. He slashed .083/.211/.133 and the Twins opted for a buyout of $3 million instead of picking up his $14 million club option for 2023, sending him to free agency.
He didn’t sign anywhere ahead of the 2023 season and, instead, focused on his health. Earlier this offseason, he told reporters that he lost 58 pounds before arriving at camp in Tempe, Arizona.
However, he didn’t take the whole last year off. He played winter ball with Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Republic and hit a couple of home runs in 27 games. That was all the Angels needed to see to bring him on board with a minor-league deal.
Through 22 games this spring with the Angels, he slashed .200/.298/.698 with 10 hits, three home runs, 10 RBIs, eight runs scored, and one stolen base in 50 at-bats. His power was on display at times, especially with the homers.
The Angels will utilize Sanó in a variety of ways this season. He could factor in as a third baseman, as Anthony Rendon has dealt with his fair share of injuries during his tenure with the club. He has yet to play 60 games in a season with the Angels.
Los Angeles also has Nolan Schanuel at first base, who was drafted last summer. He only has 29 big league games on his resumé and hit much better off righties than lefties. Sanó has even splits against right-handers and left-handers.
Then there is the designated hitter spot, which was vacated by Shohei Ohtani when he opted for free agency and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Angels didn’t sign a pure DH this offseason.
Washington and the Angels haven’t laid out specific plans on how they intend to utilize Sanó this season but they have options and will want him to be in a position where he can produce the most.
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