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Angels rookie George Klassen feels more comfortable heading into 2nd start

April 10, 2026

CINCINNATI — This time George Klassen will have more than 14 hours to think about making a big league start.

The Angels’ rookie right-hander is set to make his second career start on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. His first start, last Sunday afternoon, was a hastily set assignment because right-hander Ryan Johnson was sick.

Klassen was in Anaheim as a precaution earlier on Saturday, but he didn’t get the official word that he was starting the next day until around 11 p.m.

“Definitely a lot more comfortable,” Klassen said of his second start. “With my teammates, the environment, the travel, all that. Definitely have a little more time to prepare, so excited for that.”

Klassen, 24, is one of the Angels’ top pitching prospects. He was clearly not at his best last week against the Seattle Mariners. He walked five batters in 2⅔ innings. He gave up two runs.

Klassen said he took some lessons from that game.

“I don’t really need to be too perfect,” he said. “In my mind, you’re like, ‘If I make one little mistake, things are going to go terrible.’ But no. Just make your pitches, execute the best you can and just keep pounding the strike zone.”

Manager Kurt Suzuki said he’s expecting a better version of Klassen the second time.

“I expect him to just go out there and be himself,” Suzuki said. “If he’s himself and gives us a chance to win, I love the stuff when he goes out there. So I’m excited to watch him throw again.”

LINEUP CHANGE?

Adam Frazier got the start at second base on Friday, with Oswald Peraza on the bench. Peraza had started 10 of the Angels’ first 13 games, but Suzuki suggested that Frazier will be seeing more playing time.

Frazier came into the game with a .748 OPS, compared with Peraza’s .608.

“Frazier’s earned it,” Suzuki said. “I feel like he deserves it. He brings a different element to the lineup.”

Suzuki stopped short of saying that Frazier would be his primary second baseman.

“I think everybody’s going to play,” Suzuki said. “We’re going to see what the best matchup is for the day.”

The Angels could also use Frazier in the lineup instead of third baseman Yoán Moncada, who has a .433 OPS. Frazier could play second, with Peraza at third, or Frazier could play third.

Suzuki, however, said he’s still confident in Moncada, despite his season-opening slump.

“He’s got a track record,” Suzuki said. “Last year, left-handed he put up some really good numbers (an .815 OPS). Sometimes you see guys have slow starts. We played Seattle, and (Cal) Raleigh and (Julio) Rodriguez. Those guys aren’t going to hit .100 the whole season. If guys have track records you give them a longer leash.”

The Reds are starting left-handers the next two days, so those could be games that Moncada starts on the bench.

NOTES

Right-hander Kirby Yates (knee inflammation) has reported to Rancho Cucamonga, and he’s expected to pitch in a rehab game with the Angels’ Class-A affiliate soon, Suzuki said. …

Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (right shoulder inflammation) threw lightly off a bullpen mound on Wednesday afternoon. He is with the team in Cincinnati, and will throw a more intense session off a bullpen mound “really soon,” Suzuki said. …

There is no set date for a resolution of Jorge Soler’s suspension. Soler was suspended for seven games for his part in the fight during Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. He has appealed, and he can play until the appeal is settled. Soler could also drop his appeal or reach a settlement for a lesser amount.

UP NEXT

Angels (RHP George Klassen, 0-0, 6.75 ERA) at Reds (LHP Brandon Williamson, 1-1, 4.76 ERA), Saturday, 1:10 p.m. PT, FanDuel Sports Network, 830 AM

Orange County Register

News Details

Angels rookie George Klassen feels more comfortable heading into 2nd start

LINEUP CHANGE?

NOTES

UP NEXT

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