The Angels were extremely active this offseason but did little to address their rotation outside of the acquisition of rapidly budding star Shohei Ohtani. Brilliant as Ohtani’s has been early in the season, the Halos find themselves with three starters on the disabled list (Matt Shoemaker, Andrew Heaney and JC Ramirez) and limited depth beyond what’s on the big league roster. Angels GM Billy Eppler spoke with Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times about the lack of depth moves to address his starting staff this winter. “Nine felt like a reasonable number,” said Eppler of his starting options. The Halos felt they had a greater need to deepen their infield mix and, accordingly, dedicated resources to the acquisitions of Zack Cozart and Ian Kinsler. Eppler notes that if it’s determined that they need to further add to the rotation, owner Arte Moreno is likely to support those needs. As Eppler points out, Moreno took on notable salary with just a month to go in the 2017 season, adding Justin Upton and Brandon Phillips in a pair of high-profile August trades.
More out of Anaheim…
- Maria Guardado of MLB.com notes that the injury to Ramirez is particularly concerning. The right-hander landed on the DL over the weekend with tightness in his right forearm, which is ominous for any pitcher given that it can be a precursor to a diagnosis of UCL damage. But the 29-year-old Ramirez already missed the final six weeks of the 2017 season due to a slight tear in his UCL, which he and the team elected to treat with stem-cell therapy rather than surgery. Shaikin notes in his column that an announcement on Ramirez’s status is likely to be made today. Guardado adds that Shoemaker is undergoing additional tests today, so a more precise diagnosis on him could be known soon. In more positive news, manager Mike Scioscia expressed confidence that the team will get Heaney back in the near future (via Guardado’s column).
- As for Kinsler, he tells ESPN’s Mark Schwarz that he’ll be activated from the disabled list for Tuesday’s game against the Rangers. A groin strain cost Kinsler the first 10 days of the regular season, prompting the Angels to shift would-be third baseman Zack Cozart from the hot corner to second base in his absence. Luis Valbuena has been lined up at third base with Cozart at second, but Kinsler’s return will give the Angels the defensive alignment they drew up this offseason.
I knew the Angels should have signed a starter like Lynn or Vargas over the offseason. It just seemed too good to be true to have 5 of the 8 starter healthy throughout the entire season. Plus, we don’t exactly know if Bridwell and Nitro can stand in the bigs. It seems like everything is finally catching up to Bridwell and Nitro hasn’t had a ML start since early 2016
Ohtani is exciting.
How exciting for you.
He’ll regret not coming to the Bronx, but he is still exciting to watch.
Lol
Lol is right
Pretty sure he’s very comfortable with his decision to delete the Yankees from his interest list. Doubt that’s going to change was time goes by.
Agreed the world does not rotate around the yanks those days are gone
Steve,
FWIW, Brandon Phillip’s salary was negligible as Cincinnati paid roughly $15M of the $16M owed for 2017. Angels were only on the hook for 1/6 of $1M plus any relo fee. No biggy, but just for clarity.
While true, it’s also worth noting the Angels have a bit more wiggle room this year that last — even after adding all the contracts they did, mostly due to be out from under Josh Hamilton’s dead money.
But Josh and Pujols were such exciting signings and worked out so wonderfully for the team.
Go back to bed drunk redneck
Now, now, there is no reason to insult drunk rednecks like that.
You don’t see the sarcasm dripping from the comment?
Lol
Lets not forget that Jamie Barria is a reasonable call-up candidate and NiTro is also an option. Heaney should be back this week as well so the depth is there. Is just a concern relying on health of the collective unit
Unfortunately —- (as a former athletic trainer) — most injuries heal with some amount of scar tissue. Scar tissue is non-elastic and is a weak spot in tendons/ligaments/ and muscle. After a tear/injury hopefully it will heal with minimal scar tissue. However, it is best to move on and look for a younger injury – free player.
I think the Angels will end up signing one or more free agent starters like Lackey or Garza to supplement the rotation (depending on how long the injuries are projected for). Personally, Ramirez had partially torn his UCL last year and I think he’s gonna need TJS. That opens up a full-time spot in the rotation.
What? If they haven’t reached out to them yet, they won’t. Don’t expect them to sign guys that will have the same issues they are already dealing with. Good night.
Huh? They didn’t have the need for starting pitching during free agency. The lack of depth is now kicking them hard, because of these 3 sudden injuries one of which could be long term. Just because they didn’t go for a starter before doesn’t mean they won’t now… Good night.
I didn’t say they didn’t have a need. They obviously do but not with those pitchers
And how do you know they didn’t reach out already? Just because arms weren’t signed doesn’t mean offers weren’t made. I highly doubt Billy Eppler is just going to sit there and not take advantage of an opportunity to improve his team.
Not for those pitchers more of what we have. Injury prone, decent pitchers. Nothing more
Lackey would be a solid signing since he’s been relatively healthy over the past 4 years. Granted he’s not what he used to be, but he can eat some innings and fill in for at least one of these guys.
Have to wonder if Andrew Heaney’s career is ever gonna get off the ground. I understand the nature of his injuries, etc, but he just seems like one of those players who is destined to spend most of the time on the DL.
I know there’s Tropeano in the system that can come up and do alright, but that only fills in 1 of 3 spots. Barria may be able to come up, but I don’t know how that’ll end up. Lackey would be a great signing for a young Angels rotation.
Tropeano had a great spring. I’d call him up before Barria.
As for Lackey, did he get along with Scioscia? How was Lackey in the clubhouse?
Lackey and Kinsler would be fun!