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Los Angeles Angels: Baldoquin, Shoemaker, Richards, Injuries

By Ryan W Krol

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Mar 13, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; The Los Angeles Angels look on prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Baldoquin Is Finally Here!

After dealing with visa issues that delayed his arrival into the United States, Roberto Baldoquin arrived at Angels camp this weekend. And due to personal connections, Baldoquin, 20, showcased with Yasmany Tomas. Baldoquin impressed the Halos, as well as others who were in attendance to watch him and Tomas.

“I love the look in his eye, the way he interacts with people… He was a leader.”

Among those who were amazed by Baldoquin’s talent was GM Jerry Dipoto, who had great things to say about the young Cuban infielder, whom he signed for $8MM. Dipoto commented on Baldoquin’s fierce mentality: “I love the look in his eye, the way he interacts with people… He was a leader.”

The question now is whether Baldoquin will be called up this season, or next. Dipoto hinted at the possibility that he may be in an Angels inform sometime this season. Apparently, he’s that good.

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    • Shoemaker Looking Good Again

    As if opposing teams didn’t get enough of a surprise performance from Matt Shoemaker in 2014, the bearded one who looks like he stepped right out of ‘300’ and onto a Major League mound is looking just as good as he did in his rookie campaign.

    There have been several questions over whether or not ‘Shoe’ can repeat his breakout performance, in which he finished runner-up in the Rookie of the Year voting. But here’s the thing: 24 walks in 136 innings, as well as 3.26 FIP and 1.06 WHIP against his 3.04 ERA. His run prevention was accurate.

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    He didn’t get hit with a lot of homeruns. He was the beneficiary of a very good defense, which it was. No, Shoemaker had good command, and prevented baserunners. That is the difference between him and other starting pitchers who have had breakout years as rookies.

    So barring a major setback, such as injury, Matt Shoemaker, so far, is looking like 2014 was no fluke so far this spring.

    Richards Making Progress

    Garrett Richards has made significant strides toward returning to the mound by early April, perhaps even by Opening Day. Now, the young ace is scheduled to pitch in an intrasquad game this Wednesday, against Shoemaker, at Tempe Diablo Stadium. There is a two inning maximum for Richards that day. Pending the results, March 23 is the target for Richards to pitch in a Cactus League game. Manager Mike Scioscia said Richards will probably throw just one inning.

    Spring Roster Moves

    The Angels reassigned several players this weekend to their minor league camp:

    • Pitchers: Edgar Ibarra, Trevor Gott, Sean Newcomb, Atahualpa Severino, Nate Smith, Albert Suarez.
    • Catchers: Stephen McGee and Jackson Williams
    • Shortstop: Eric Stamets
    • Outfielders: Roger Kieschnick, Alfredo Marte and D’Arby Myers.

    51 players remain on the Halos’ spring training roster.

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    On The Mend

    •  Matt Joyce has been dealing with a tight hamstring and, as a precaution, was a late scratch from the Angels’ lineup Thursday. Joyce returned to the lineup this weekend, and went 1 for 3 in Saturday’s split-squad game against the White Sox.
    • C.J. Wilson was scratched from his Thursday start after tweaking his left knee in pitchers’ fielding practice. The lefty had a precautionary MRI that turned out negative. Wilson threw a bullpen session on Saturday. He is expected to return to the mound this Tuesday.
    • Huston Street is back with his teammates after getting a sudden illness before Tuesday’s game. He also threw a bullpen session on Saturday, and will likely pitch today.
    • Joe Smith has been dealing with lower-leg stiffness, and has not been able to get the work in to stretch out the muscles. During the regular season, this type of injury would only cost the Angels’ set-up man a day or two. Smith has yet to pitch in a spring game.
    • Tyler Skaggs has not thrown the ball in two weeks, but that is part of his recovery schedule. And his timeline shows that he is expected to pitch later this year in the Arizona Fall League or in the Instructional League. Good news for the young lefty and the Angels, as it shows he is making significant progress. Skaggs should be back for Opening Day 2016. And, oh, what rotation depth the Halos will have then.
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