BEST

5. RHP Parker Bridwell, Los Angeles Angels

From the one-that-got-away department, Bridwell spent the first seven years of his professional career in the Orioles’ organization, but only pitched twice in the majors, a forgettable pair of relief outings in 2016. He had a career ERA close to 5.00 in the minors, when the Orioles dumped him to the Angels for cash in April.

Angels coaches changed Bridwell’s repertoire, stressing a more breaking-ball-heavy arsenal than he had with the Orioles. Almost instantly, Bridwell broke out. He soon found his way into the Angels’ rotation and has been a mainstay ever since, going 7-2 with a 3.94 ERA in 17 games (16 starts). The Angels are 15-2 in games that Bridwell starts, and he’s helped keep the club afloat in the wild card race despite an injury-battered rotation.

And the reason the Orioles dumped Bridwell? They needed a 40-man roster spot for lefty Paul Fry, who never pitched in a game with the Orioles and was later outrighted off the roster.

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