While the Houston Astros are probably the hottest team in the MLB, Los Angeles Angeles ranks first with them in the AL West Division.
As the franchise seeks its first play-off ticket since 2014, it is refreshing and amazing to see Angels Field in a competitive supporting cast for Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
Yes, Trout and Ohtani played at a really high level in 2022, but contributions from unexpected sources have raised the team’s ceiling.
“Reed Detmars Hall # Angels Second Player of the Week in 2022: Taylor Ward (April 25-May 1). First LAA pitcher after Matt Schumacher (July 11-17, 2016) and first LHP after Chuck Finlay (July 28-3, 1997). The first Hallows rookie win since Shohai Ohtani (twice in 2018), “wrote Angels PR on his Twitter account.
Reid Detmers Hall # Angels Second Player of the Week in 2022: Taylor Ward (April 25-May 1)
First LAA pitcher after Matt Schumacher (July 11-17, 2016) and first LHP after Chuck Finlay (July 28-August 3, 1997)
The first Hallows rookie to win from Shohei Ohtani (twice in 2018) https://t.co/h6942HeH1v
– Angels PR (LAAngelsPR) May 18, 2022
Detmars, who made a no-hitter last week, was a key staff member, but Ward deserves special mention as the team’s best hitter.
Unexpected source of continuous production
Yes, that’s right: the word .385 / .500 / .747 decreases with eight home runs in the beginning.
He’s a big reason why angels beat so hard.
Among the hitters, Rocky Brandon Marsh is also stable, as are Anthony Randon and Jared Walsh.
Ohtani pitched like a taker (2.78 ERA in 32.1 innings) but Patrick Sandoval, Noah Cindergard, Detmars and Michael Lorenzen were all skilled: Detmars, the group’s highest ERA at 3.77.
In contrast to the recent seasons, the pitching corps of the Angels are looking good and deep, giving them a fair shot for gaining a post-season spot.
Will this be the year for the angels?
As long as they continue to enjoy contributions from sources other than Trout and Ohtani, they have a great opportunity.