Halo Headlines: Josh Hamilton gets more pain-killing injections, Scioscia considering three-man rotation

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The September 22nd, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Josh Hamilton gets more pain-killing injections, Scioscia considering three-man rotation and much more…

The Story: Josh Hamilton received seven pain-killing injections for his abdominal pain.
The Monkey Says: He is aiming to get back in the lineup by the end of the Oakland series, so they must be doing something. Still, if he has to get this many pain-killing shots, there must be something very wrong and his ability to actually perform at a high level will certainly be in question.


The Story: The Angels might use a three-man rotation in the ALDS.
The Monkey Says: I am generally against the idea of guys going on short rest, but recent developments might force the Angels’ hand. Going with a bullpen day for a fourth starter is hard to pull off with a 25-man roster, but they might not have another choice if Matt Shoemaker isn’t healthy or Hector Santiago flames out again in his final start. In either scenario, going to Weaver on short rest might be their best option, though I think they might be able to get away with a Rasmus-Santiago tandem start if Hector can at least show modest improvement in his next outing.


The Story: Mike Trout was named team MVP and Garrett Richards the Pitcher of the Year.
The Monkey Says: Aw, shucks! The two best friends got to accept their awards together. Isn’t that just adorable!


The Story: The Angels postseason roster is far from set.
The Monkey Says: As we just talked about, the rotation is a huge question mark, but there are questions on the bench and bullpen. The rotation situation might actually result in the Halos carrying an extra reliever instead of an extra bench player. That, of course, is also dependent on Josh Hamilton’s health. As of right now though, the bench is shaping up to be Cowgill, Conger, Beckham, Cron and either Navarro or Boesch or both, if Hamilton can’t play. John McDonald looks like he will be the odd man out. The bullpen will be all the usual suspects, but Joe Thatcher could be in danger of losing his spot to Cory Rasmus, Vinnie Pestano or maybe even Wade LeBlanc.


The Story: The Angels are motivated to win for Garrett Richards.
The Monkey Says: Yeesh, he just hurt his knee; he isn’t dead. Tone it down a notch, guys.


The Story: Matt Shoemaker is on the All-Surprise Team.
The Monkey Says: The surprise is on the rest of the league.


The Story: Check out photos from the annual Rookie Dress Up Day.
The Monkey Says: Come for the hazing, stay for the mildly racist/sexist/generally offensive costumes.

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