TEMPE, Ariz. — Jake Marisnick is in a familiar position.
The outfielder has more than nine years of major league service time, but this is the third straight season in which he’s been in spring training on a minor-league deal, fighting for a job.
The last two times – with the Texas Rangers in 2022 and the Chicago White Sox in 2023 – he didn’t make it. Even though he started in the minors, he clawed his way back to the majors, adding new teams to his collection.
Marisnick, 32, has been a part of 13 organizations, including the Angels, and he’s been in the majors with nine teams. Last season he hit .225 with a .662 OPS in 42 games, split between the White Sox, Detroit Tigers and Dodgers.
His frequent uniform changes are likely why he doesn’t seem to be thinking too much about the fact that there’s no clear way for him to make the Angels’ roster, despite hitting .409 with two homers through his first 22 at-bats this spring.
“At the end of the day, you don’t focus on (the roster),” Marisnick said. “You focus on fine-tuning your game, getting ready for the season. You can’t look over your shoulder. You look forward. You just stay in the moment.”
Marisnick said he’s been working in particular on bunting for hits and stealing bases. He’s reached on one bunt single and he has five stolen bases this spring.
“He’s been doing a great job,” Manager Ron Washington said. “He’s hitting some bombs and running the bases, playing some defense. He’s been doing exactly what he needs to do. His spring training has been impressive.”
The Angels, though, have a crowded outfield situation at the moment. Center fielder Mike Trout and left fielder Taylor Ward seem to be set for everyday jobs. The Angels have Mickey Moniak, Jo Adell and Aaron Hicks to fight for the remaining playing time. Moniak and Adell are both out of options, and all three players are currently on the 40-man roster, while Marisnick would need to be added.
Marisnick will have the option of electing free agency if the Angels haven’t added him to the roster by March 24, which is five days before Opening Day. Marisnick, a native of Riverside, could also opt to stick around and bide his time at Triple-A Salt Lake to see if a later opportunity arises with the Angels.
“I’m just looking to get myself ready for a full season,” Marisnick said. “You can’t control any decisions that are made. I can just go out and play and try to improve my game.”
ZUÑIGA IMPRESSES
Right-hander Guillo Zuñiga has put himself squarely in the competition for a spot on the Opening Day roster with his showing so far this spring.
Zuñiga has allowed one earned run in 5⅔ innings, but more significantly he’s got eight strikeouts with no walks. He’s scheduled to pitch again on Monday.
The Angels picked up Zuñiga in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, for cash considerations. Zuñiga, 24, pitched in just two games with the Cardinals last season. In Triple-A, though, he had a 7.63 ERA, with 20 walks in 30⅔ innings.
“He’s been doing a good job of coming in and pounding the strike zone,” Washington said. “He’s been impressive. Just like the majority of our pitchers have been impressive. It’s not going to be an easy choice when we get down to the end, but at least we have choices.”
The Angels seemingly have five of the eight bullpen spots settled, barring further injuries, with closer Carlos Estévez, left-hander Matt Moore and right-handers Luis Garcia, Adam Cimber and José Cisnero. Right-hander Robert Stephenson, who has been slowed this spring by a shoulder injury, will be in the bullpen as long as he can get enough innings in the spring to be ready. Left-hander José Suarez, who is out of options, would seem to be a lock for the long relief spot.
Right-hander José Soriano, who was seemingly a lock for the bullpen, is now working as a starter. Right-hander Andrew Wantz is also starting now.
That leaves right-handers Ben Joyce, Hunter Strickland, Zuñiga and left-hander Drew Pomeranz as the most likely candidates for the final spot. Strickland and Pomeranz are not on the 40-man roster.
NOTES
Third baseman Anthony Rendon (groin) returned to the lineup on Sunday after missing a week. Washington said Rendon will DH on Monday. The team has a scheduled off day on Tuesday. Rendon will then play third on Wednesday, DH on Thursday and return to third on Friday, Washington said. …
Right-hander Caden Dana, the Angels’ top pitching prospect, is scheduled to start the Angels’ spring breakout game next Saturday. The seven-inning game matches some of the top prospects from the Angels and Dodgers. All 30 teams will play similar prospect games over the weekend.
