The Angels have called up 29-year-old Jerome Williams from triple-A Salt Lake. The team optioned pitcher Trevor Bell to triple-A Salt Lake designated Reggie Willits for assignment in order to make room for Williams.
Williams, a five-year veteran in the major leagues, spent his first two seasons with the San Francisco Gaints, posting records of 7-5 and 10-7. He began his third season in 2005 with a rough start, going 0-2 with the Giants before finding his way to the Chicago Cubs. Williams had a tough time with both the Cubs (2005-2006) and the Washington Nationals (2007) over the next three seasons.
After signing a minor league free agent contract with the Angels on June 16th, Williams has played very well for triple-A Salt Lake. He has posted a 7-2 record in 11 starts with a 3.91 ERA. He has struck out 60 batters during that stretch and allowed only ten home runs.
Williams could see action very soon. According to beat writer Bill Plunkett, the Angels might switch out pitcher Tyler Chatwood during the next rotation. We'll have to wait and see if Williams can keep his momentum going in the big leagues, but the Angels could definitely use a few hot starts right now as they stand six games back of the Texas Rangers.