Angels' Ryan Johnson to Make MLB Debut Without Minor League Experience

The 22-year-old pitcher secured his Opening Day roster spot after an impressive spring training, joining a rare group of players to bypass the minors.

• Ryan Johnson, drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, will debut for the Los Angeles Angels without playing in the minor leagues.
• He is the first player since 2020 to make an MLB debut directly from college, a rare feat in modern baseball history.
• Johnson earned his spot with a strong spring training, recording 10 strikeouts and just one walk over 11⅓ innings pitched.
• Known for his 100 mph fastball and hard slider, Johnson will bolster an Angels bullpen that includes veterans Kenley Jansen and Ben Joyce.
• The Angels' decision reflects their ongoing strategy of fast-tracking top prospects, as seen with recent players like Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto.

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