TEMPE, Ariz. — Jordyn Adams’ dream came true when he reached the big leagues, but it quickly became a nightmare.
Adams, who had been known as an outstanding defender, misplayed a fly ball and made three bad throws in his first big-league game in August in Atlanta. He also went hitless in four at-bats, with two strikeouts.
Now, the Angels’ 24-year-old prospect can look back on his big-league debut and appreciate what was missing.
“Mentally, I probably wasn’t ready for that,” Adams said this week. “It probably showed. But now I’m ready for anything.”
Angels manager Ron Washington, who was the Braves’ third base coach when Adams made his debut, said he sees a different player now.
“He finally matured,” Washington said. “The first time I saw him, he couldn’t hit a cutoff man. The first time I saw him, he got a ball and didn’t know where to throw it. Now, he’s learning the game.”
Adams, who was optioned earlier this week, doesn’t have a spot in the Angels’ short-term plans because the outfield is crowded with Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak and Aaron Hicks.
In the long run, though, Adams could still work his way into a role.
Adams hit .128 in the majors, with no extra-base hits. He hit 15 home runs with an .817 OPS last season at Triple-A.
Adams said he’s been working on his defense and making more consistent contact. He struck out in 16 of his 40 plate appearances in the big leagues, and his 27% strikeout rate in the minors is also high.
“As long as I get a good swing off, that’s the main part for me,” Adams said. “Last year, I was getting in position to not even get a good swing off.”
Part of that involves “simplifying” his mechanics and turning back to his athleticism, Adams said.
“Most guys when they get to pro ball, you try to change stuff and tweak stuff and just fit in,” Adams said. “But at the end of the day, you are yourself. Athleticism is my best tool, so I just tried to…
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