Nineteen Former Bees Make Up Angels Playoff Roster

The Los Angeles Angels announced their 25-man roster for the American League Division Series starting tonight against the Kansas City Royals. The roster features 19 players who have played for the Salt Lake Bees during their careers--12 appeared in Salt Lake City in 2014.

Nine of the 10 players in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the series have ties to Salt Lake. Designated hitter C.J. Cron leads the group, having suited up in 49 games for Salt Lake this season. Leadoff hitter and right fielder Kole Calhoun spent 2012 and 2013 with the Bees and made five starts for the Bees on an injury rehab assignment this season. Third baseman David Freese and left fielder Josh Hamilton also made starts at Smith's Ballpark while recovering from injury in 2014.

Game 1 starting pitcher Jered Weaver pitched for the Bees in 2006 and is joined by outfielder Mike Trout, second baseman Howie Kendrick, shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Chris Iannetta as players that started for the Bees earlier in their careers. First baseman Albert Pujols is the only Angels starter that has not played for the Bees during his career.

On the bench, the Angels will have Salt Lake's career hit leader infielder Efren Navarro, along with outfielder Collin Cowgill and catcher Hank Conger. Relief pitchers Kevin Jepsen, Fernando Salas, Mike Morin, Vinnie Pestano, Cory Rasmus and Hector Santiago all have toed the rubber at Smith's Ballpark, with Jepsen being the only player to not appear for the Bees this season. Game 2 starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker has pitched in 70 games for Salt Lake over the last five seasons, including six this year.

Game 1 of the ALDS starts tonight at 7 p.m. MT at Angel Stadium and will be broadcast nationally on TBS. A full roster is below, with former Salt Lake players listed in bold with years played in Salt Lake.

Pitchers (12)

Jason Grilli

Kevin Jepsen (2008-09, 2011-13)

Mike Morin (2014)

Vinnie Pestano (2014)

Cory Rasmus (2013-14)

Fernando Salas (2014)

Hector Santiago (2014)

Matt Shoemaker (2010-14)

Joe Smith

Huston Street

Jered Weaver (2006)

C.J. Wilson

 

Catchers (2)

Hank Conger (2010-12)

Chris Iannetta (2012)

 

Infielders (7)

Erick Aybar (2006-07, 2011, 2013)

Gordon Beckham

C.J. Cron (2014)

David Freese (2014)

Howie Kendrick (2006-09)

Efren Navarro (2011-14)

Albert Pujols

 

Outfielders (4)

Kole Calhoun (2012-14)

Collin Cowgill (2013-14)

Josh Hamilton (2014)

Mike Trout (2012)