ANAHEIM — This time last year, Hunter Strickland was finishing up a summer at home in Georgia, fully accepting that his baseball career was over.
Now, Strickland is finishing a season of rebirth, one that has been good enough that he’s committed to playing again in 2025.
“I’m coming back,” said Strickland, who turns 36 next week. “I don’t know if it’s here or wherever it’s going to be. Obviously I’m a free agent. I love it here. Love the group. But business is business. We’ll see how that plays out. But I’m definitely not done playing, for sure.”
Strickland has a 3.23 ERA in 69⅔ innings over 68 games. He was in camp on a minor league deal in the spring, and didn’t make the Opening Day roster. By April 8, he was in the big leagues, and since then he’s been one of the most durable and reliable relievers on the team.
Strickland said he’s “grateful” for the opportunity the Angels have given him. He also acknowledges that they helped him be effective again after his career had appeared to be over.
“These guys have helped me refine, fine-tune some pitches, which has definitely helped,” Strickland said. “I think just seeing the game through a different lens, with a different perspective, has been fun. I think that’s the key, keeping it fun and trusting yourself.”
Strickland had thrown almost entirely a four-seam fastball and a slider, but this year the Angels helped him add a sinker, a cutter and a sweeper.
“I came into camp with two pitches and now I’ve got five that I feel I can throw at any time in the count,” Strickland said. “I think that definitely plays and helps keep the hitters off balance for sure.”
Strickland has also returned the favor by helping out the pitchers around him. Ben Joyce credited Strickland for showing him the grip that he uses for the sinker that led to his dominant second half of the season.
“He’s been a great influence,” Manager Ron Washington. “I walk out of the clubhouse at night, and he’s holding court like they used to do. In the old days, when the game was over, a group of guys get together in the corner and talk about the game, drink a few brews. I leave the ballpark every night, and center stage is Strickland and (Carson) Fulmer, holding court.”
IRON MEN
Over the past couple of days, Washington has mentioned how proud he is of the four everyday players who have made it through the season without any serious injuries: catcher Logan O’Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, shortstop Zach Neto and left fielder Taylor Ward.
“They showed up every single day and posted,” Washington said. “That means a lot. It means a lot to them. That builds character. And it means a lot to their teammates.”
Washington gave O’Hoppe and Neto the day off on Wednesday. He said Schanuel and Ward will have one more day off too. Neto, Schanuel and Ward are expected to play the rest of the games.
“Where we are now, I just want to make sure they finish strong and get through the finish line,” Washington said.
Washington also singled out starting pitchers Tyler Anderson and Griffin Canning for making every turn so far this season.
NOTES
Infielder Brandon Drury returned to the lineup after missing five games with a hamstring injury. …
Time is running out for third baseman Anthony Rendon, who is on the injured list because of a back/oblique injury. When Washington was asked about the fact that the Angels still haven’t officially ruled out Rendon for the season, Washington said: “I’m not going to officially say that either.”
UP NEXT
Angels (LHP José Suarez, 1-2, 6.80 ERA) at Astros (LHP Yusei Kikuchi, 9-9, 4.29 ERA), Thursday, 5:10 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM
