Series recap: Bees fall to Oklahoma City Comets in abbreviated Sooner State series

There was plenty of big league talent on display this week in the Sooner State, as three MLBers completed rehab assignments in Oklahoma City. Dodgers infielders Kiké Hernández and Mookie Betts each saw action for the hosts, while young Angels arm Ryan Johnson made a rehab start for the Bees. In his first Triple-A appearance, the right hander tossed five strong innings, allowed three earned runs and struck out five on Friday.

Prospect Watch

One of Los Angeles’ most sought-after prospects, Nelson Rada, struggled in Oklahoma City. The highest-rated position player and second-ranked prospect in the organization saw his batting average dip to .236 in the Sooner State. In four games played against the Comets, the outfielder finished 2-for-20 (.100) with a triple and three runs scored. The one-time Gold Glover with Double-A Rocket City hasn’t had worse stats at the plate since that 2024 season with the Trash Pandas when he finished with a .234 average. It’s early in the season, but the Bees and, of course, the Angels expect more out of the 20-year-old.

The Halos’ third-ranked pitching prospect, George Klassen, fell to 0-4 on the season in Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Comets. The right-hander, who also ranks fourth overall in the organization’s top 30 prospects, threw just 2 innings and allowed four earned runs on five hits with three walks and one strikeout. The Midwesterner returned to Salt Lake for his fourth outing with the Bees after making two appearances with the big league club.

Cinco de Mayo was great for the Halos’ second-ranked shortstop prospect and seventh-ranked overall prospect, Denzer Guzman. The Dominican Republic native slugged his third homer of the year in the opening game win over the Comets. Guzman was red-hot in Oklahoma City, finishing 9-for-21 (.429) with a double and that homer while driving in seven runs and scoring four times. He continues to excel against PCL squads on the road and will look to carry that success back to the Beehive State.

On that Cinco de Mayo, Sam Aldegheri, the Angels’ 16th-ranked prospect, made a spot start with the struggling Halos. The Italian threw four innings of two-run baseball, giving up four hits and two walks against the Chicago White Sox. He didn’t strike any of the Southsiders out but excelled at forcing the ball into the air and on the ground. He’ll likely open the set for the Bees against the El Paso Chihuahuas this week.

Around the Bases

Plenty of fun to be had as the Bees open their longest homestand of the season. After another Dirty Sodas Tuesday, the team celebrates Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday. Grab your clubs and hit the links for Golf Night on Friday, with a ball-marker giveaway on tap. Finally, veterans will be honored on Military Appreciation Night on Saturday. Special jerseys will be worn, along with a rally towel giveaway at the gates. Additionally, it’s the first drone show of the season, lighting up the sky postgame.

What’s On Deck

Salt Lake has a stretch of 12 games in 13 days, all at home at The Ballpark at America First Square. The season’s longest homestand begins on Tuesday, April 12 against the El Paso Chihuahuas (19-20; Triple-A, San Diego Padres). Then the fun continues at home as the Tacoma Rainiers (18-21; Triple-A, Seattle Mariners) come to town in the second half of the homestand.

Los Angeles Angels No. 2 Prospect Nelson Rada runs out to take the field during Salt Lake Bees vs. Sacramento River Cats at The Ballpark at America First Field in Daybreak, UT on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Davis Kuhn

No. 7 Angels Prospect Denzer Guzman hits Home Run during Salt Lake Bees vs. Sacramento River Cats at The Ballpark at America First Field in Daybreak, UT.