Angels News: Phil Nevin Revealed Struggles Behind Demoting David Fletcher

It was not easy for him to do so.

When David Fletcher signed a five-year extension with the Los Angeles Angels just a few years ago, it was hoped that he could become the shortstop of their future. He had shown promise during his early time with the Halos and they came to find trust in him.

However fast forward to 2023 and after not even a month into the season, the front office has opted to bump him down to AAA and allow a rookie who only had 44 games in the minor league to take over at his position.

Fletcher sealed with numerous injuries over the past couple of years but he entered this season healthy and ready to go. However, he's played a big role in LA's struggle to get runs in certain games as he went 2-16 in plate appearances. The Halos do not have the luxury of experimenting right now and believed it would be better for him to work through his slump in AAA.

A bombshell transaction for the Angels.

Calling up their first round pick from last year and optioning David Fletcher, a player in the middle of a 5-year contract making $6 million this year. https://t.co/roVEjY0zO0

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 15, 2023

Even though this move may have been an obvious one for the Angels to make with his struggles, team manager Phil Nevin revealed that he had to mull over whether he really wanted to drop his infielder down.

"“It was a hard conversation,” Manager Phil Nevin said on Saturday, “but he took it well and he’s ready to go down and work.”

We hope to see Fletcher get back to normal ways during his time in the minor league. Fans may remember back in 2020 when he posted a slash line of .319/.376/.425 and showed some serious potential.