MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez reports that the Angels have returned pitcher Christian Friedrich to the Rockies due to an issue with his health. The Angels’ full statement, per Gonzalez:
Here's the statement ... pic.twitter.com/auZD4V89d8
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) February 20, 2016
The Angels claimed Friedrich on February 5, a week after the Rockies designated the lefty for assignment. To make room on the roster for Friedrich, the Angels designated infielder Taylor Featherston for assignment and he was later traded to the Phillies for a player to be named later or cash considerations, so the Angels lost a player making the gamble.
Friedrich, 28, was once a top prospect in the Rockies’ system, earning a #22 overall rating from Baseball Prospectus and #33 from Baseball America going into the 2010 season. He has struggled in 167 1/3 major league innings, though, as he carries a 5.81 ERA with 146 strikeouts and 65 walks. Friedrich is still a year away from arbitration.
