Tigers Claim Former Angels Prospect off Waivers
Kolten Ingram was among the Angels' few feel-good stories in an otherwise dreary 2023 season.
A former 37th-round draft pick who signed for $1,500 out of college, Ingram began his fifth season of professional baseball with Double-A Rocket City. At 26, it was a pivotal moment in the left-handed pitcher's career.
All Ingram did was post a 2.63 ERA and hold batters to a .177 average, while striking out 38 in 27.1 innings. That earned him his first major league promotion in June.
After making five major league appearances in his rookie season, the Angels designated Ingram for assignment to make room for outfielder Aaron Hicks last week. Monday, the Detroit Tigers claimed Ingram off waivers, preventing the Angels from keeping him in the organization.
It was the Tigers who originally took Ingram out of Columbus (Ga.) State University late in the 2019 draft. A star on the Cougars' Division II World Series squad, Ingram became just the fourth player in school history ever to reach the major leagues.
The Tigers released Ingram in July 2020 amid the COVID-19 shutdown, when minor league games were unavailable to all players. He signed with the Angels in March 2021 and began his slow and steady climb to the majors. Clearly, the Tigers wanted him back.
The Angels' need for left-handed relief depth was lessened with the re-signing of Matt Moore in January. Left-hander Jose Suarez, a swingman last year, could wind up in the bullpen as well. So could veteran Adam Kolarek, a non-roster invitee to spring training, giving the Angels plenty of depth without Ingram.
Ingram went 0-0 with an 8.44 ERA in five appearances last season at the major league level. and 3-4 with a 2.95 ERA in 45 appearances between the Angels' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates.
Since Ingram was promoted to the majors in Nov. 2022 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, he will join the Tigers' 40-man roster.
