The Wednesday, May 18, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes two more players joining an already crowded disabled list, the team adding another lefty arm to the Triple-A roster, and more…
The Story: Daniel Nava and Cory Rasmus placed on DL with groin strains
MWAH Says: That’s now nine Angels on the major league disabled list, which does not include Tyler Skaggs. The team hasn’t quite reached 2014 Texas Rangers levels of injury misfortune, but they’re well on their way with double-digit DL stints just three weeks into May. Rafael Ortega and A.J. Achter were recalled to fill the spots vacated by Nava and Rasmus.
The Story: Angels sign LHP David Huff to a minor-league deal
MWAH Says: The plan seems to be to stretch Huff out so that the big-league club has another option should they find themselves in need of another emergency starter. The 31-year-old spent his first four seasons (’09-’12) as a fill-in starter for the Cleveland Indians, but has spent the last four years pitching primarily in relief between Triple-A and the majors. He owns a career 5.08 ERA in 388 MLB innings.
The Story: LHP Neal Cotts exercises opt-out clause in contract
MWAH Says: The Angels now have until the end of the day Wednesday to add Cotts to the 25-man roster. If they don’t, the veteran will rejoin the free-agent market in search of a club more in need of a veteran lefty specialist. Cotts has pitched well for the Angels at Triple-A, posting a 3.29 ERA and fanning nearly a batter per frame in 13.2 IP, but the bullpen doesn’t really seem to need a third lefty right now. If you read into the David Huff signing, one could conclude the front office has already made its decision.
The Story: Huston Street will throw bullpen Wednesday
MWAH Says: If all goes well, Street will be on track to return to the Halos around Memorial Day. The sooner he can get back the better because the bullpen is starting to show some serious cracks.
The Story: C.J. Wilson thinks he can return by June 3
MWAH Says: It’s remarkable to me how divergent players’ ideas of recovery time can be from the team’s public statements. Just 24 hours ago Mike Scioscia said Wilson was still a ways from returning and that there was no set timeline for his return. Wilson, apparently, disagrees. The left-hander thinks one more sim game and two rehab starts will be all he needs to jump back into the rotation. Color me skeptical. At least he’s optimistic, I guess. #PMA4Lyfe
The Story: For the Angels, there’s no such thing as a good trade for Mike Trout
MWAH Says: Steven Goldman, the voice of reason. The key quote: “Trading Trout now would be worse than that historically bad [Frank] Robinson deal. It’s tantamount to the Orioles dealing Cal Ripken in 1985 or the Mariners trading Ken Griffey Jr in 1994.” Really don’t think the Angels want to be remembered as “the team that traded away Mike Trout.”
The Story: Lincecum expected to spend at least three weeks in minors once signed
MWAH Says: We’re reportedly still a couple days from Lincecum officially being an Angel, but in the meantime details of what’s planned for him are trickling out. Per Ken Rosenthal, the team expects Big Time Timmy Jim to spend at least 20 days (~4 starts) with Triple-A before he’ll be deemed MLB-ready. If he signs by Friday, that puts his earliest call-up date at June 17, which means he may be jockeying for that final rotation spot with Tyler Skaggs and/or C.J. Wilson by then.
The Story: Bud Black’s contract with Angels allows for him to opt out if offered managerial job
MWAH Says: This is old news, but it’s relevant again because the Braves just fired Fredi Gonzalez. I have a hard time seeing Black willingly joining the dumpster fire that is Atlanta’s current roster, especially given how much of that he endured in San Diego, but maybe they sweep him off his feet.
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