Top Draft picks on display at Angels’ instructional league

As the 2016 Draft approached, high school outfielder Brandon Marsh’s name definitely had some helium, his stock rising as the calendar flipped to June. He ended up going to the Angels in the second, No. 60 overall. But they’ve had to wait until now to really get a look at him on the field as an Angel.

That’s because of a back injury that not only muddled negotiations over his bonus — he signed a week before the deadline for a full pick value bonus of $1,073,300 — but kept him from making his pro debut all summer. Instead, he worked tirelessly on rehab, strength and conditioning and is now happily participating full-strength in the Angels’ instructional league program.

“He’s on the field and is looking good now,” Angels director of Minor League operations Mike LaCassa said about their No. 4 prospect. “He’s been anxious to play baseball and we’re finally starting to see what he can do.”

• Angels’ Top 30 Prospects list

A two-sport star in Georgia, Marsh was a wide receiver on a two-time state championship-winning football team. He carries a full toolbox with him on the diamond, but he will need some development time to sharpen those tools given his dual focus as a high schooler. Being able to fully participate at instructs is a big step forward in that development. The Angels just began their games on Monday, and Marsh was expected to see his first, albeit unofficial, pro at-bats soon.

“Being a part of our instructional league program, working out with the team, you see the energy he has,” LaCassa said. “It was hard for him to not be on the field the last few months. He worked tremendously hard in the weight room and got positive reviews on his attitude. Finally, we’re getting the chance to see him play baseball and he is one of the best athletes in our …

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