Angels Promote Denzer Guzman, Designate Scott Kingery

The Los Angeles Angels just shook up their infield by promoting 21-year-old prospect Denzer Guzman to the big league roster. This comes after a string of roster changes, including saying goodbye to veteran utility guy Scott Kingery and shuffling several young players.

Guzman, an infielder signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, has been turning heads for his offensive breakout this season. Now, he finally gets his shot to show what he can do on the sport’s biggest stage.

Denzer Guzman’s Rise Through the Minors

Guzman didn’t follow the fast-track route like some top prospects. He had a modest start in the lower minors, but by 2024, his steady work paid off with a strong showing across Double-A and Triple-A.

He’s a 6-footer with a patient approach at the plate and some new-found pop. This year, he posted a .247/.343/.426 slash line, racked up 30 doubles, 17 home runs, and swiped 14 bases.

That final stretch happened in the Pacific Coast League, which pretty much everyone knows is a hitter’s paradise. Sure, the league inflates numbers, but Guzman put up those stats as one of the youngest guys around. That says a lot about his upside.

He’s also handled shortstop well defensively, which makes him even more intriguing for the club’s future.

Short-Term Opportunity at Shortstop

The Angels called up Guzman mostly because starting shortstop Zach Neto got dinged up. With Neto out for now, Guzman gets first crack at the job.

No one’s sure how long Neto will be sidelined, but the team sees this as a golden chance for their young infielder to get MLB reps. Even if it’s just for a bit, it’s a big step.

Where Guzman Fits in the Angels’ Future Plans

The real question—can Guzman stick in the long run? Neto’s play has locked him in as the everyday shortstop, so Guzman might have to shift elsewhere in the infield.

But with Luis Rengifo and Yoan Moncada possibly leaving as free agents after 2025, there could be openings by 2026. A lot could change by then.

Defensive Versatility Will Be Key

If Guzman shows he can handle second or third base, his odds of staying in the lineup go way up once Neto comes back. The Angels love players who can move around and help in different ways.

If Guzman’s bat really heats up, the team will have a tough time keeping him out of the order. That’s the kind of problem every manager wants.

Scott Kingery’s Departure Marks Another Turn

To make room for Guzman, the Angels designated Scott Kingery for assignment. Once a top Phillies prospect, Kingery’s career has been a bit of a rollercoaster since 2019.

He played just 19 games with Anaheim and hit .148, never quite finding his groove with limited chances.

Now, Kingery heads to waivers. If no team picks him up, he’ll have to decide between staying with the Angels’ minor league system or trying his luck in free agency. It really depends if another club offers him a clearer path back to the majors.

Other Roster Moves and Youth Movement

Along with Guzman’s promotion, the Angels sent Matthew Lugo back to Triple-A Salt Lake and called up rookie infielder Christian Moore. The front office seems pretty focused on giving younger players a shot.

Maybe it’s a sign of a midseason retool, or maybe they’re just looking ahead. Either way, it’s a fresh vibe for the roster right now.

Implications for the Season Ahead

These changes probably won’t shake up the team’s playoff push overnight. Still, they show the Angels aren’t afraid to try something new with their younger players.

For Guzman, this isn’t just about filling in for an injury. It’s a real shot to prove that his hot streak in the minors actually means something up here.

• Guzman’s age and recent performance make him one of the more interesting call-ups of 2024.
• With veterans leaving, there could be some long-term spots opening up in the infield.
• The Angels keep turning to young prospects to fill out the roster.

Now, everyone’s watching Denzer Guzman as he steps onto the field in Anaheim. Maybe this is the beginning of something bigger for both him and the Angels’ infield—guess we’ll find out soon enough.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Angels Promote Denzer Guzman, DFA Scott Kingery