Contributed to
The Observer
LOS ANGELES —
Former Auburn pitcher Davis Daniel was called up to the Los Angeles Angels Saturday, becoming the 57th big leaguer in Auburn history.
Daniel is the sixth former Tiger and fifth pitcher since Aug. 19, 2020, to get called up to the big leagues. He becomes head coach Butch Thompson’s 20th MLB pitcher, including his 14th since 2014.
Daniel was Auburn’s Opening Day starter in 2019 but pitched only 2.0 innings before being shut down with an injury. However, he went on to be selected by the Angels in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
The Montgomery, Alabama, native made 17 appearances and 16 starts as a freshman in 2017 before making 19 appearances and 10 starts in 2018. As a sophomore, Daniel was instrumental in the team’s first super regional appearance since 1999 as he allowed just five earned runs and struck out 25 batters in his last six relief appearances and 18.1 innings pitched, including 5.1 scoreless innings of relief in the decisive game three of the Gainesville Super Regional.
Daniel made 37 career appearances and 27 starts for the Tigers, posting a 7-7 record and 5.37 ERA to go along with 135 strikeouts in 139.0 innings.
After rehabbing from his aforementioned injury, Daniel made his professional debut on May 9, 2021, and moved quickly through the Angels farm system, finishing his first professional season with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. He has started nine games for the Bees in 2022 and is 3-1 with a 3.64 ERA in 47.0 innings pitched. In 32 minor league appearances and 31 starts, the right-hander is 7-8 with a 3.84 ERA and 192 strikeouts in 161.2 innings of work.
Daniel wore No. 78 as the Angels took on the Mets on June 11.