Mickey Moniak homers in first at-bat of season for Angels

It’s been a happy birthday for Mickey Moniak.

Playing his first game of the season on Saturday as he celebrates his 25th, the former No. 1 overall draft pick hit a leadoff home run for the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. Moniak launched a hanging 1-2 breaking ball from Guardians starter Cal Quantrill 370 feet over the right-field wall, giving the Angels an early lead.

Moniak with a birthday blast! 💥 ⚾️@Angels | #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/jkrXIKL0Vk

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) May 13, 2023

Moniak, the first pick in the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, had spent the start of the season at Triple-A Salt Lake before he was recalled on Friday. He had a .940 OPS with eight homers and five triples in 33 games.

The outfielder joined the Angels organization last trade deadline when the Phillies dealt the former top pick in exchange for starter Noah Syndergaard. He had a .643 OPS in 19 games for Los Angeles in 2022.

After being selected by the Phillies in 2016, Moniak did not meet the expectations of a No. 1 pick while in Philadelphia’s organization. His minor-league production increased by 2019, but his short stints in the majors with the club that drafted him never resulted in success.

In 47 games for the Phillies from 2020-2022, Moniak had a .386 OPS with 41 strikeouts to 10 walks. With no clear role in the organization, the team traded him to the Angels.

Now back in the majors — and off to a good start — Moniak appears to have a chance to secure regular playing time for the first time in his big-league career.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. Phillies 2023 Walk-Up Songs
2. What’s Your Favorite Phillies Uniform? Bryce Harper & More Give Their Picks
3. Kody Clemens Is Embracing His Newfound Opportunity In A ‘Wild’ 2023
4. ‘I’m Not Waiting That Long’: Bryce Harper Will Return On Tuesday, Something Only He Ever Imagined
5. Trea Turner Details Bryce Harper’s Recruiting Tactics: ‘We’re Going To Get You Over Here’
6. Edmundo Sosa’s Teammates Explain Why He’s Such A Spark For The Phillies
7. Pirates Team Full Of Former Phillies Off To Hot Start In 2023
8. ‘He’s Got Some Of The Best Stuff I’ve Ever Seen’: Teammates Rave About José Alvarado’s Dominance
9. Former IronPig Drew Maggi Makes Major League Debut After 13 Years In Minors
10. Trying The New Foods At Citizens Bank Park