A lot has changed in the nearly two years between Sam Bachman’s 11th and 12th appearances in the majors.
The day after the Angels right-hander threw a perfect inning in his first MLB game since 2023, Bachman spoke about his renewed mindset.
“Laser focus,” he said. “I felt composed and in control. During my rookie season, my energy was kind of chaotic. Now it’s more like bottled lightning — focused and directed. I like where I’m at mentally.”
Bachman described his new mentality as tackling “one gladiator circle at a time,” meaning he’s locking in on each pitch without dwelling on the past or future.
“That’s been my main goal,” he added. “Staying present — not getting caught up in what just happened or what’s next — just focusing on executing each pitch.”
His return outing Saturday was sharp: a nine-pitch inning against the Orioles, featuring seven sinkers averaging 98 mph and two sliders.
Though he didn’t rely much on his slider in that appearance, he’s been feeling confident in it lately. In a Triple-A game the previous week, he threw 14 sliders out of 15 pitches, generating whiffs on four of seven swings.
“It just felt great,” Bachman said. “The way hitters were reacting made it clear — it was the right pitch to keep using.”
Angels manager Ron Washington, seeing Bachman pitch in-game for the first time since joining the club, came away impressed.
“He attacked the zone and had really lively stuff,” Washington said. “I’m excited to see more of him.”
The Angels have been anticipating Bachman’s return.
A first-round pick from their all-pitching 2021 draft class, Bachman’s path has been hampered by multiple injuries. After a six-week stint in the majors last year, he underwent shoulder surgery and returned to make 16 minor league starts, posting a 4.82 ERA. He slimmed down by about 10 pounds in the offseason to help prevent further injuries but missed spring training with thoracic outlet syndrome. The condition, which involves pressure on nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder, didn’t require surgery, and Bachman began pitching again in early May.
Now 25, Bachman says he feels “amazing.” It’s still uncertain whether his future lies in the bullpen or rotation. The Angels originally intended for him to be a starter this year but are opting to keep him in a relief role given his delayed start.
Bachman, however, is open to any role.
“I just want to contribute,” he said. “Whether that’s as a long reliever, a one-inning guy, or a starter — I’ve got the tools for whatever they need.”