2020 Angels in review: Jose Briceño

Jose Briceño came to the Angels from Atlanta in November 2015 as part of the Andrelton Simmons trade, and 2020 was one of the two years he spent at least part of the season in the majors.

The Angels released the catcher in August 2019 but soon re-signed him to a minor league contract. Briceño was a non-roster invitee to major league camp in spring training, and spent the first five weeks of the season at the alternate training site at Long Beach State.

Max Stassi went on the injured list in late August, then on August 30 Jason Castro was traded to San Diego, leaving the Angels without their two main catchers. Briceño got the call to the majors on August 31 to share duties behind the plate with Anthony Bemboom.

Briceño saw action in two games, starting on September 4 then again in the second game of a doubleheader on September 5, walking in his first game and singling in the other.

Once Stassi returned from the injured list on September 6, Briceño was optioned back to the alternate site, where he remained for the rest of the season. The Angels sent the catcher outright to the minors on October 30, removing him from the 40-man roster, and Briceño elected free agency.

2020 particulars

Age: 27

Stats: 2 games, 1 for 5, walk, 1 catcher’s interference

Salary: unknown

Game of the year

Briceño singled off Astros right-hander Jose Urquidy on September 5 for his only hit of the season.

Roster status

Briceño signed a minor league contract with the Rockies on November 16.