Halos recall No. 1 prospect Brandon Marsh

ANAHEIM -- The Angels added another reinforcement to their outfield and this time it’s top prospect Brandon Marsh, who was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake for Sunday’s game against the Mariners. He started in center field and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Halos' 7-4 loss.

• What to expect from Brandon Marsh

Marsh, ranked as the club’s No. 1 prospect and No. 38 overall by MLB Pipeline, batted .255/.364/.468 with three homers and eight RBIs in 24 games with Salt Lake, as he recently returned from right shoulder inflammation that kept him out for a month. Since coming back on July 9, he's batted .382 with two homers, two doubles, two triples and six RBIs in eight games.

“He’s been outstanding, really good,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said. “Over the last year, he’s dealt with some difficult moments, including the passing of his father [in April]. But from the first time I saw him, just the way he moves. We talk about that with Shohei [Ohtani]. I’m not comparing him with Shohei, but just the way his body moves very fluently. He can do both sides of the ball really well.”

Marsh, the club’s second-round pick in the 2016 Draft out of Buford (Ga.) High School, said he was sleeping in his hotel room in Tacoma, Wash., when he received several phone calls from Salt Lake manager Lou Marson. Marsh's girlfriend woke him up and he learned of the good news that he was headed to the Majors. His mom, Sonja, and sister, Erin, were able to make it to Angel Stadium to see his debut.

“To be honest, my stomach sank and I felt a little sick,” Marsh said of when he found out the news. “It was the best call I’ve ever received in my life. It’s a dream come true to be up here with these guys. I get to pick the best brains in the game. It’s a blessing.”

Marsh, 23, figures to split time in center with Juan Lagares and is also more than capable of playing both corner outfield spots as he’s considered a plus defender with good speed. Maddon said he planned to get him regular action, and just because veteran outfielders Mike Trout and Justin Upton are nearing returns, doesn’t mean Marsh will necessarily be optioned.

“I want him to expect to stay here the whole year,” Maddon said. “I spoke to him and I told him, 'Just go play and don’t do anything differently.' It’s the same game. A lot of times it spins faster, it just does, but you have to realize it’s normal and you just have to go out and play.”

Marsh said he’s feeling fully healthy and believes his shoulder issues that have plagued him over the last two seasons are over. He said all the rehab he has done has paid off and he’s excited to reach the Majors.

“It’s so much more rewarding,” Marsh said. “It makes it feel like everything is worth it. Going through all the ups and downs that all of us go through, there are doubts that come into your mind. I’m glad this is cancelling all this out. I’m glad the way it all worked out.”