Los Angeles Angels: A Bleak Preview for the Starting Rotation
By Evan Lovett
Matt Shoemaker
The story of Matt Shoemaker is heartwarming. An undrafted free agent with middling ‘stuff’ in college, he went on to storm through the minor leagues, pitch for the United States in the 2011 Baseball World Cup, and eventually grab a cup of coffee with the Angels in 2013.
Expectations were low for Shoemaker heading into 2014, when he broke camp as a relief pitcher. Soon thrust into the starting rotation, Shoemaker turned heads with 16 wins in 20 starts, compiling an excellent 3.04 ERA. He finished in second place in the Rookie of the Year balloting (the White Sox’ Jose Abreu took home the hardware), and looked poised for a breakthrough 2015 campaign.
The following year was not as memorable, as Shoemaker’s mediocrity mirrored the Angels’. He was hit-and-miss the entire year, with a 4.46 ERA, while logging only 25 starts. In 2016, it was more of the same – a 3.88 ERA in 27 starts before a vicious line drive to the face ended his season. Shoemaker needed brain surgery and was shut down for the season, left to confront his demons this season when he first stepped on a mound.
He has handled spring training nimbly, striking out 18 in his first 13 innings. Shoemaker is tough, wily and experienced and will probably be the most reliable member of the Angels rotation in 2017.