The Angels added left-hander Nate Smith and right-handers Keynan Middleton, Austin Adams and Eduardo Perez to the 40-man roster on Friday, protecting them from next month’s Rule 5 draft.
To make room, the Angels designated right-handers Blake Parker, Jose Valdez and Abel de los Santos and reassigned infielder Rey Navarro. Parker and de los Santos had just been claimed on waivers this winter.
Among the players left unprotected are left-hander Manny Banuelos, who is one of 10 pitchers on the starter depth chart. They also left outfielder Cal Towey and right-hander Kyle McGowin exposed.
Any team that selects a player in the Rule 5 draft would have to keep them on the major league roster all season or else offer him back to the Angels.