Los Angeles Angels: Halos continue to roll despite limitations

The Los Angeles Angels are feeling good heading into July. Coming off a win in the opening game of the Freeway Series, the Angels stand at 41-39.

The Los Angeles Angels have surprised a lot of people in 2017. After posting their worst record since 1999, the Halos did not have high expectations for 2017. Despite having the best player in baseball the team was merely mediocre. Injuries exposed the thinness of the roster and even the team’s acquisitions weren’t regarded as ground breaking.

Yet, to the surprise of many, the team has played pretty well thus far. While a 41-39 record is by no means jaw-dropping, it is promising considering the team was 32-44 at this point last season.

Many would attribute this success to Mike Trout. Trout, being the best player in baseball, has to have carried this team to this record, right? It may not be that clear, as Trout has only played in 47 games this year after he suffered a torn UCL and dorsal capsule in his thumb.

It has been nearly a month since Trout’s injury, and the Angels have played to a 15-12 record. Again, not the most amazing thing in the world, but it is considerably impressive with Trout on the DL.

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In the midst of this, the team has gotten constant production from prior resources. Andrelton Simmons and Yunel Escobar are both floating around a .280 batting average while Cameron Maybin has led the way with 23 steals.

Eric Young Jr has batted to a .289 clip since Trout’s injury, while Danny Espinosa has only gone six games without a hit. The starting rotation is still struggling, sure, but the bullpen is stepping it up big time.

After ending the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ten game win streak this Angels team can rest easy.

They are playing well and will only play better upon Trout’s return. Add in a young rotation in Tyler Skaggs, Garrett Richards, and Andrew Heaney and the future looks bright for the Angels.

Let’s face it, the Los Angeles Angels have been struck with some bad luck in recent years. Whether it is the baseball gods paying them back for the steal that was Trout, or just a case of pure misfortune, the biggest enemy for the Angels has been themselves.

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With Trout returning there is no reason to think that this team cannot make a push to the postseason. With Matt Shoemaker, Skaggs, and Richards all set to return this season the pitching staff will only get better. Throw in the thin chance that Andrew Heaney can join this team when the rosters expand and the Los Angeles Angels faithful should be hopeful for what is in store.

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