Angels Recall Serrano, Option Willits to Salt Lake

April 16, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Salt Lake Bees News Release

SALT LAKE CITY (April 16, 2008) - The Angels announced today that the club has selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Alex Serrano from the Salt Lake Bees. To make room for Serrano on the 25-man roster, the club optioned outfielder Reggie Willits to Salt Lake. These announcements were made by club General Manager Tony Reagins.

Serrano, 27, was 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA (6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 SO, 1 BK) in five games with Salt Lake. His first appearance with the Angels will be his major league debut. In 2007, Serrano finished 3-5 with four saves and a 5.04 ERA (69.2 IP - 39 ER) in 47 games with Salt Lake.

A native of Barcelona, Venezuela, Serrano signed with the Angels as a free agent on December 20, 2006. He was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by Colorado on March 16, 1998 and remained with the Rockies organization until he was first signed by the Angels on July 9, 2005. Serrano will wear uniform No. 68 for the Angels.

Willits, 26, was 1-for-1 with a double and two RBI in five games for the Angels this season. He owns a lifetime .292 (139-for-476) average with 38 RBI in 169 games. Willits' last appearance for the Bees came in 2006, where he played in 97 games, owning a .327 batting average with 31 stolen bases.

A native of Chickasha, Okla., Willits was originally selected by the Angels in the seventh round of the 2003 free agent draft.

The Salt Lake Bees continue the team's opening home stand tonight against the Las Vegas 51s with a 6:35 p.m. start at Franklin Covey Field. For more information about Bees season tickets, which start as low as $7 per game, please call 325-BEES.

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