Angels call up Darrell-Hicks, option top pitching prospect Dana

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Following a 10-4 victory over the Guardians, the Angels optioned top pitching prospect, RHP Caden Dana, to Triple-A.

Dana appeared on the mound against Cleveland Friday, allowing two earned runs in three innings pitched. Dana was called up after RHP Ryan Johnson went on the paternity list Friday.

The Angels selected RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks from Salt Lake Sunday, Darrell-Hicks himself couldn’t believe the news.

“I just stepped back and I was like, ‘No way,” Darrell-Hicks said. “I feel like I’ve overcome a lot, I had a really strong support system around me…I’m just very thankful.”

Darrell-Hicks, 27, missed his 2019 season at Western Kentucky while recovering from Tommy-John surgery, then he had to wait out the cancelled 2020 season. When Darrell-Hicks finally did return to the mound in 2021, he only pitched 10.2 innings, per baseball reference. 

The lack of action made Darrell-Hicks consider other options while earning a Sports Management degree.

“Really, I didn’t pitch for three straight years and it was really hard for me mentally. I got my degree and I didn’t know if I wanted to continue playing.” 

Darrell-Hicks then went on to transfer to Jacksonville State in 2022, where he finished with a 4.13 ERA in 72 IP, per baseball reference. He went undrafted, was picked up by the Angels and has played in their minor league system since.

Last season, Darrell-Hicks finished with a. 2.60 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A.

Angels manager Ron Washington liked what he seen from Darrell-Hicks thus far, but he’s hoping it can translate to the big leagues.

“He’s got some potential, but I’d like to see him do it up here, he’s going to get the opportunity to do that.”