SURPRISE, Ariz. -- As a 39th-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, Jared Walsh had the deck stacked against him from the moment he entered pro ball. But he eventually rose through the Angels' system and replaced the legendary Albert Pujols as the club's starting first baseman in 2021.

The road has been much bumpier for Walsh since then. Now in camp with the reigning World Series champions as a non-roster invitee, he is playing with something to prove once more -- and for a chance to crack the Opening Day roster in the wake of Nathaniel Lowe's right oblique strain.

"I think he's playing with a lot of confidence right now," manager Bruce Bochy said before Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Guardians at Surprise Stadium. "Last year was a tough year for him. … You look at our situation now: it's pretty nice to have a guy that not long ago … had his best baseball going for him."

The past couple of seasons have been difficult for Walsh, who finished seventh in AL Rookie of the Year voting in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and was an All-Star in '21. He seemed like a prime candidate to become one of the anchors of the Angels' lineup for the foreseeable future before being dealt an adverse hand in the years that followed.

In 2021, when he was at his best, Walsh slashed .277/.340/.509 with 29 homers, 34 doubles and 98 RBIs in 144 games. He had a 127 OPS+ that year, but has been below league average by that measure since then.

In August 2022, Walsh was shut down and later underwent surgery to relieve symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Following an offseason of rehab, Walsh began the '23 season on the injured list with headaches and insomnia, a condition which was later categorized under the umbrella of neurological issues.

Walsh struggled upon returning to the Angels and was designated for assignment in July 2023. He remained in the organization and was back up with the big league club in late September, but he was outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency before joining the Rangers on a Minor League deal.

"It hasn't been easy. [I've] seen a lot of doctors and went to a lot of places, but my recovery has been pretty drastic from how I felt about 18 months ago," Walsh said. "I think time [has helped] more so than anything, and working on the diet, trying to really be [careful] about the sleep and stuff like that.

"I feel good now, and I feel like I wanted to put myself in a position with an organization that wants to win and has the culture. … It was just kind of all the things I was looking for to get back on track."

Not only does Walsh feel good, but he's also shown glimpses of what he can bring to a lineup when he's healthy. Through 10 spring games, the 30-year-old has gone 9-for-26 (.346) with two homers, four RBIs and three walks. He's struck out 10 times, but Bochy believes the lefty-heavy pitching the Rangers have faced lately may have something to do with it.

Walsh believes that the change of scenery has been good for him, too. Being in a new clubhouse surrounded by new teammates and coaches has given him a chance to reset.

"I think a lot of people dream of having the Derek Jeter-type career, 20 years in the same place, but that's not really the reality of the game anymore," Walsh said. "I'm happy for a fresh start."

Lowe, a 2022 Silver Slugger and '23 Gold Glover at first base, is the Rangers' third starting infielder to be sidelined by injury this spring, joining shortstop Corey Seager (sports hernia) and third baseman Josh Jung (left calf strain). Since Lowe could be out through Opening Day, the door is open at first base.

But Walsh isn't the Rangers' only option. Justin Foscue, the club's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has gotten some reps at first base. Blaine Crim is also off to a nice start, and is a non-roster invitee like Walsh, while Foscue was added to the 40-man roster last offseason.

"If I can control what I can control and be a left-handed power bat, I feel like most teams in the league are always looking for good left-handed hitters," Walsh said. "If I can get back on track, I feel like I'll be able to find my way into a lineup. Hopefully, it's here."