Walbert Urena’s Arsenał Shows Why Angels Still Believe In Him After Bad Start

TL;DR

Walbert Urena, a 22-year-old prospect for the Los Angeles Angels, is vying for a fifth starter role despite inconsistent performances. His recent outings have shown both promise and struggle, with notable strikeout and walk rate improvements.

Key points

Walbert Urena is a 22-year-old prospect for the Los Angeles Angels.
Urena has shown inconsistent performance as a potential fifth starter.
He struck out eight against the Padres but struggled against the Royals.

Los Angeles AngelsSan Diego PadresKansas City RoyalsWalbert Urena

Walbert Urena’s Arsenał Shows Why Angels Still Believe In Him After Bad Start

The Los Angeles Angels are conducting tryouts for a fifth starter, and right-hander Walbert Urena is in the mix. The 22-year old Angels prospect is currently riding the rollercoaster for the Halos as they continue to throw him into the breach in tough situations.

The results have been predictably up and down. The good came against the San Diego Padres back on April 19 as Urena struck out eight while giving up just two runs in six innings. The bad came in his last start against the Kansas City Royals yesterday, as Urena walked five and gave up four runs in just 3-2/3 innings.

Taylor Ward of Baseball America traced his rise, which started last year in Double-A and extended to spring training this year. Urena’s strikeout rate climbed from 18 percent before the All-Star break last year to nearly 25 percent afterward. In addition, his walk rate fell from 13 percent to 11 percent, and Urena wound up leading all Double-A pitchers with a 58.5 percent groundball rate, according to the writer.

His pitch mix is just as impressive. Ureña features a four-seam fastball/sinker combination the consistently sits in the upper 90s and occasionally gets over 100 mph. He throws a power changeup that grades as plus, but it is the growth of his slider and control that has helped him take a big step forward, Ward added.

Consider Angels assistant GM a fan. Urena has created a lot of momentum, and Prebynski has been there to watch it every step of the way.

“He’s continued to get stronger physically, which has improved his ability to repeat his delivery, and the strike-throwing has improved,” Prebynski said. “You get to the ‘stuff’ profile and how’s been able to refine that.

“In the second half of last year and into spring training, the breaking ball continued to develop. It’s a testament to Walbert, but it’s also a combination of all the momentum he’s been able to create and the position he’s put himself into going into the 2026 season.”

Q&A

What are Walbert Urena's recent performance statistics with the Angels?

Urena has had mixed results, striking out eight against the Padres but walking five and allowing four runs in his last start against the Royals.

How has Walbert Urena's strikeout and walk rate changed over the past year?

Urena's strikeout rate increased from 18% to nearly 25%, while his walk rate decreased from 13% to 11% since last year.

Why do the Angels still believe in Walbert Urena despite his bad start?

The Angels see potential in Urena due to his strong performance metrics, including leading Double-A pitchers with a 58.5% groundball rate.