Trip to Toronto has special meaning for Angels’ Kevin Pillar

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Thursday, Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar will be back in the ballpark where his major league journey got underway.

Pillar was a Toronto Blue Jay from 2013-2019 and a trip back to the Rogers Centre has special meaning for him. As the Angels open a four-game series against the Jays, Pillar is looking forward to that experience.

“It was a big part of my early baseball career, going to that stadium,” Pillar said. “My wife is going this time. She hasn’t been back since 2019. So, it will be nice to spend a little time there. I don’t know how many more opportunities I’m going to have when it comes to playing in the Rogers Centre.”

Pillar was known for making some spectacular catches and hitting some clutch home runs during his Blue Jay tenure. The former Chaminade High and Cal State Dominguez Hills standout was a big factor in helping Toronto reach the American League Championship Series in 2015.

When asked if there was one memory that stands above the rest from his Toronto tenure, Pillar recalled a defensive play that seemed to change the trajectory of his career with the Blue Jays.

“It was Jackie Robinson Day in 2015 and I was able to rob a home run playing left field,” Pillar said. “I think the perception of what I could do defensively changed right there for everyone in the organization. Shortly after that, they moved me to center field and I kind of ran with that position for about five years.”

As a member of the Atlanta Braves, Pillar had an opportunity to return to Toronto last season.

“The reception was warm and reiterated my feelings about that city and the fan base,” Pillar said. “I’m really looking forward to being there this weekend. There’s a Saturday day game, so we’re going to one of our favorite restaurants up there on Saturday night. It’s always special to go back.”

CROUSE OPTIONED

To make room on the roster for right-hander Johnny Cueto to start Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, the Angels optioned right-handed reliever Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake. Additionally, right-hander Jose Cisnero was released.

“He (Crouse) was the only guy with options,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Sometimes it’s numbers and he just got caught up in the numbers. We told him how much we appreciated him and to keep pitching. Things change quick. So, be ready.”

AWARD WINNERS

The Angels had three minor league weekly award winners for the week of Aug. 12-18. Salt Lake left-hander Reid Detmers was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week and Double-A Rocket City outfielder Tucker Flint was named the Southern League Player of the Week.

In addition, left-hander Andres Cova was named the Dominican Summer League Pitcher of the Week.

CONTEMPLATING AN OPENER

The Angels are listing their Thursday starter as “TBD.” It is Griffin Canning’s normal day in the rotation and he is expected to pitch.

The decision to be made is whether the Angels will go with Canning as their starter or use an opener ahead of Canning.

UP NEXT

Angels (TBD) at Blue Jays (TBD), Thursday, 4:07 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM