The Los Angeles Angels have essentially the same roster they did six weeks ago, but their playoff chances have sure improved.
The recent flurry of injuries to top MLB pitchers has hit the American League West especially hard, sidelining starters on the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. Oakland right-hander Jarrod Parker became the latest casualty Monday, as the Athletics announced that he requires season-ending Tommy John surgery. Through it all, the Angels have remained relatively intact, which gives them a chance to seize an opportunity and return to the post-season for the first time since 2009.
The Athletics’ rotation looks a whole lot thinner now than it did before spring training began. Parker is a non-factor, A.J. Griffin continues battling elbow tendinitis and may miss the start of the year, and Scott Kazmir is now battling triceps stiffness (the Athletics are describing it as minor). It means the team that ranked second in the American League in ERA last year now projects to have Jesse Chavez in its rotation.
The Mariners have had a similarly rough spring. No. 2 starter Hisashi Iwakuma fell behind schedule after straining a finger tendon and promising prospect Taijuan Walker is doubtful for the start of season due to shoulder inflammation. It would be a surprise if the Mariners can contend without significant contributions from those two arms.
Not that the Rangers will have much sympathy for the Athletics or Mariners. Derek Holland won’t return before mid-season after undergoing knee surgery and Matt Harrison is expected to start the season on the disabled list due to back stiffness. Those injuries forced the Rangers to bring aboard Joe Saunders as they try to get by without their second and third-best starters.
The injuries haven’t been limited to the AL West, of course. Brandon Beachy and Patrick Corbin could join the likes of Kris Medlen, Cory Luebke and Luke Hochevar on the operating table. Joe Wieland and Jon Niese had injury scares of their own during an injury-riddled spring for MLB pitchers.
In comparison, the Angels look fine. Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson lead a rotation that includes Garrett Richards and newcomers Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago. A month ago, that group projected as a weakness relative to their division rivals, but not anymore (especially since Santiago has 19 strikeouts with a 2.76 ERA in 16.1 spring innings).
Even before the latest Athletics injuries, some MLB execs had tabbed the Angels as 2014 sleeper team, explaining that they still have a talented roster highlighted by the sport’s best player. Mike Trout will ensure that the Los Angeles lineup produces, and if Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton bounce back, they’ll have even more offence. As for the starting rotation, it offers upside if not certainty.
No one roots for injuries, but the the Angels are definitely better-positioned now than they were a few weeks ago. They’re currently the best bet to win the American League West, according to FanGraphs’ projected standings. If they can avoid the fate of their division rivals and stay relatively healthy, they have a chance to make up for last year’s disappointment and play in October.
