Angels Manager Sizes Up 2 Candidates For Fifth Starter's Job
The Los Angeles Angels entered the offseason with the hope of improving their starting pitching. The front office understood that they had some decent arms but that having more talent could help get them to their goals faster.
The team hasn't made any major moves within the rotation as of yet, but they continue to be linked with a few top-tier arms on the open market. But as Spring Training gets underway, the Angels are just going to rely on those in the clubhouse right now.
New manager Ron Washington brings energy to the table and is excited about how the Halos rotation will shake out. He addresses reporters at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Thursday, updating them on the status of who is in the mix for the fifth starter spot in the rotation.
The two names that were given are right-hander Zach Plesac and lefty Drew Pomeranz. Both players signed minor-league deals with the Halos this offseason and are in camp as non-roster invitees.
Pomerantz is making his return to the mound after missing the last few seasons due to injury. He may be better suited for a bullpen role, but the team isn't giving up on the potential of him starting.
“We haven’t made a decision on him yet because he just got in here. We have to get him in some kind of shape, see how he is. He was hanging out there all winter. So we just have to see where he is first and we’ll make a decision on that as we move forward.”
Per Ron Washington
When he last pitched in 2021, Pomeranrz posted an ERA of 1.75 over 27 appearances. He could give them some flexibility within both the starting rotation and bullpen this season.
As for Plesac, he only appeared in five games for the Guardians last season, posting an ERA of 7.59. The team is hoping that he can get back to his success from the first part of his career, where he put up an ERA of 3.81 across 21 starts in 2019 as a rookie.
“Right now he’s in the mix. He’s going to get an opportunity. We’re getting as much depth in that starting rotation as we can. Only 5 guys can get it, or 6 if that happens. He’s in that mix (among the starters).”
Per Ron Washington
The Angels have options for whichever direction they go, and it may make sense to field a six-man rotation. If anything, they have stronger depth than last season, which could help in the long run.
