Los Angeles Angels Spring Training: Four fringe players for a roster spot
By Jason Reed
RHP — Parker Bridwell
Parker Bridwell stepped into the Los Angeles Angels’ starting rotation last season to help the Angels during their battle with injuries. Bridwell made his Angels’ debut on May 30, a six inning, three-run performance that netted both Bridwell and the Angels a win. He continued to make starts for the Angels until the end of the season, totaling 21 appearances in 2017.
Overall, Bridwell crafted a fairly decent resume for the Angels in 2018 that will give him a strong case for an Opening Day roster spot. Bridwell had a 10-3 record with a 3.64 ERA and 73 strikeouts. While his stuff did not turn any heads, Bridwell was consistent for the Angels and proved to be an excellent addition to the back end of the rotation.
That rotation, though, is much more crowded heading into 2018. Garrett Richards enters the season completely healthy, as does Tyler Skaggs and Andrew Heaney. Matt Shoemaker is healthy and is sure to get a roster spot and new signing Shohei Ohtani will undoubtedly be included.
Thus, Bridwell is on the outside looking in. The team could utilize him in the bullpen, keeping him ready for mop-up situations. However, the Angels could simply also send him to AAA to keep him in the routine of starting.
Bridwell is going to have to build upon his good 2017 to convince the Angels to make a roster spot for him.