Jordyn Adams, the Angels’ first-round draft pick in 2018, was designated for assignment as the team added new prospects to its 40-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Adams, an outfielder, and journeyman infielder Eric Wagaman were both removed from the roster to open spots for outfielder Matthew Lugo and left-hander Jack Dashwood.
Tuesday was the deadline for teams to add minor leaguers who would have been eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 draft, thereby protecting them.
Both Adams and Wagaman could clear waivers and remain in the organization.
Adams, 25, has hit .176 in 78 major-league plate appearances over the past two seasons. He struck out 28 times while drawing just three walks. Adams has hit .252 with a .710 OPS in 561 minor-league games. He dropped to No. 30 in the most recent Angels’ prospect rankings, according to Baseball America.
Wagaman, 27, spent just one year in the Angels’ system after spending his entire career in the New York Yankees’ farm system. A product of Aliso Niguel High and Orange Coast College, Wagaman hit .250 with a .673 OPS in 74 plate appearances with the Angels this season.
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Lugo, 23, was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Luis Garcia trade last July. Lugo was originally a shortstop, but he has played mostly the outfield in the past couple of seasons. He hit .287 with a .954 OPS this season, between the Red Sox and Angels’ farm systems. He has a career .776 OPS in the minors.
Dashwood, 27, has had health problems in recent seasons, limiting him to 40 innings. He’s a 6-foot-6 reliever who a team could project as a useful major leaguer right now, which is the why the Angels felt they should protect him. He struck out 49 and walked 13 in the last two seasons.
Dashwood pitched 10 innings in the just completed Arizona Fall League season, striking out 17 and walking two.