YAKIMA, Wash. — Yakima Valley Pippins manager Kyle Krustangel lauded his relationship with UCLA head coach John Savage and the existing Pippins-UCLA relationship while announcing the addition of infielder Daylen Reyes and outfielder Carson Hamro.

“I’ve had at least one Bruin each of the last three years when I was at the AppleSox, and Coach Savage — obviously his resume speaks for itself — does a really good job of sending some of his best talent to the West Coast League,” Krustangel said. “Every guy I’ve had from Savage has arguably been one of the best hitters or pitchers in the league.”

Reyes, a 6-foot standout from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, was touted by Savage as “one of the best pure hitters in Southern California” when UCLA announced its signing class last fall. Reyes hit .398 last season with 17 RBI and five doubles. He was off to a tear to start this season, racking up four doubles and a triple in just seven games.

“Reyes will be a key utility player,” Krustangel said. “He can play shortstop, second, and he’s flashy, too. I know Savage is very excited for him.”

Last summer, Reyes participated in the 2019 Perfect Game National Showcase and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2019 Perfect Game 17U World Series. He was also named to the First Team All-Mission League at Notre Dame last season.

“I am super excited for the opportunity to play in Yakima,” Reyes said. “I can’t wait to get back on the field and win some games for the Pippins this summer.”

Hamro, the tallest member of UCLA’s signing class last fall at 6-foot-5, was one of the workhorses for Rancho Buena Vista’s pitching staff last season. The right-hander led his team with 62 innings pitched, compiling a 4-2 record and 2.60 ERA while racking up 84 strikeouts.

Krustangel drew comparisons between Hamro and Jake Saum, who played for Krustangel at Wenatchee last summer before heading off to UCLA. Saum, who had a 4-1 record and 2.80 ERA in the regular season, pitched seven shutout innings during Wenatchee’s lone playoff victory against Victoria.

“Hamro’s a big-time strikeout guy with a three-pitch mix and a good fastball,” Krustangel said. “The arms that I’ve had from Savage have been next-level, so I look for him to be competing for a starting spot and get a lot of innings this summer.”