Southern California's Eric Wagaman relishes callup to Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — After growing up in Southern California, playing high school baseball at Aliso Niguel and attending junior college at Orange Coast College in 2016, Eric Wagaman is back home as starting third baseman for the Angels during the last week.

Wagaman, 27, was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 13th round of the 2017 draft. After spending the first six seasons in the Yankees organization, Wagaman found his way back home after being selected as a Rule 5 pick by the Angels this past offseason.

So far, he's found success in the Angels organization. He began the year in Double-A Rocket City and was later promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake in Aug. Wagaman owned a batting average of .320 with a .855 OPS in 27 games in Utah.

The Angels selected Wagaman's contract on Sept. 10 and he made his debut the same day. Four days later, he got his first hit, then two more the following day, his first home run the next day and another home run in Tuesday night's 5-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

"It’s been really cool to get the first few hits out of the way," Wagaman said. "Get a couple home runs. I think it’s especially cool to be a part of a win.

"So that’s been kind of the coolest part. Seeing what we do after in here after is pretty cool.”

Wagaman has been filling in at third base for the injured Anthony Rendon whose status remains unknown on if he will return for another game this season. While Rendon's return remains unknown, Wagaman has just focused on enjoying the ride and is looking to make the most of it.

“I mean yeah, it’s been a lot of fun," Wagaman said. "From family and friends reaching out to just everyone else being welcoming in the clubhouse.

"I feel like if we can finish strong, that would be really cool.”

The Angels are nearing the end of another disappointing season, already eliminated from the postseason. They also are in the midst of their 10th consecutive losing season.

While the Angels are less than two weeks away from the offseason, younger players have been seeing an increase of playing time, giving manager Ron Washington a glimpse into the future.

"(Wagaman's) shown he's got tremendous bat-to-ball skills," Washington said. "He lets the ball travel, he stays behind it. 

"He's got some power."

Washington said  Wagaman's best hit Tuesday night wasn't even his fourth-inning solo homer. It was a single to right field in the eighth inning.

 "He looks very comfortable in the box right now," Washington said. "You don't see young kids stay on the ball like that to the right side but he did."

Wagaman is hitting .292 with two home runs, four RBIs and three doubles. He's also done a great job avoiding strikeouts, whiffing five times.

“I do take pride in trying to keep the strikeouts down," he said. "I feel like theirs a lot of value in that.

"Whether it is hit hard or soft but finds some outfield grass, I think there’s a lot of value in that.”

Wagaman said the Angels coaching staff has been giving him a few tips to help him with his mechanics and making some adjustments during the last week.

"Not major adjustments," he said, "but just a little something to think about that’s kind of helped a lot.”