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Los Angeles Angels: A Bleak Preview for the Starting Rotation

By Evan Lovett

Mar 15, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) throws in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) throws in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Ricky Nolasco

Ricky Nolasco is a journeyman, having logged 108 big league wins in his 11 seasons while pitching for four clubs. Pitching to a career 4.52 ERA, however, should land him a fifth spot in a strong rotation – though the Angels have him penciled in for the three hole.

Though he closed strong with the Angels in 2016 – a 3.21 ERA in his last 12 starts – his 4.42 ERA is much more predictive of what to expect from the innings-eater. Typical of a pitcher with his pedigree, Nolasco fights tooth-and-nail, throwing basically every pitch in the book as a part of his arsenal.

Nolasco is an after-thought that really should not play a major role on a competitive pitching staff. But here we are, with the Angels, and he is expected to play a big role. Gulp.

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