Los Angeles Angels Find a Diamond in the Rough

When Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons went down with an injury, it was devastating. Then emerged the journeyman shortstop Gregorio Petit.

The Los Angeles Angels turned to Gregorio Petit a 31-year-old veteran who has played for four major league teams, including the Los Angeles Angels. The Venezuelan native made his major league debut on May 18, 2008, with the Oakland A’s. After being released by the Yankees organization he signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December of 2015.

Gregorio Petit, has had a rough career, being moved from one `minor league team to the next, just hoping for a chance. With the few weeks he’s been with the team, he has batted better than Andrelton Simmons and Cliff Pennington.

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He possesses a slash line .240/.283/.300 plus 3 RBI. Although he has not hit a home run yet, it is very clear that there is some pop in his bat, more power than Simmons or Pennington could provide. The Angels could use some pop from their middle infielders.

Not to mention, his defensive skills. He is a fielder of many trades and his certain defensive skill set has proven to be extremely versatile to the Los Angeles Angels. Mike Scioscia gives his praise to the veteran.

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“He has been very impressive so far, his defense has been outstanding and he has also done a good job at the plate,” said Angels manager Mike Scioscia in a pre-game dugout news conference before last Saturday’s game against Houston. “As long as Gregorio continues to play well he will keep getting time.”

This type of praise doesn’t come very often from the skipper, Mike Scioscia. If he can keep building on this confidence Petit can really help the team until Andrelton Simmons returns.

After watching Simmons take ground balls at shortstop during batting practice before Saturday’s game against Houston, along with Petit and Pennington. I talked to Simmons and he says he is feeling much better.  However, Simmons said there is no official timetable for his return to the Angels. The original diagnosis was that he would be out from six to eight weeks which would put Simmons return in late June.  With Petit and Pennington holding down the fort admirably, so to speak there is no need to rush Simmons back.  We will see.  Until then Petit and Pennington “The Killer P’s” will be more than adequate fill-ins at shortstop.

His story provides us with a man willing to bear down and work for his part into a team. With his background of being moved to organization to origination tells us Petit will do whatever to be apart of the team He is definitely a team player. He’ll keep working to contribute to the Los Angeles Angels.