Local boy LA Angels Ricky Nolasco trying to make good in Anaheim

When the LA Angels traded for Ricky Nolasco it was a very unpopular move as the Angels said good-bye to fan favorite Hector Santiago who was 6-0 in July before the trade. However, Nolasco changed some fans tune with a strong finish.

When the LA Angels traded for Ricky Nolasco on August 1st many people were overjoyed in Minnesota as Nolasco had been somewhat of an enigma. Nolasco signed a four-year 48 million dollar deal in 2014 and up to the point he was traded, he had not lived up to his end of the bargain. In his two-plus seasons with the Twins, Nolasco was 15-22 with a 5.44 ERA.

When Nolasco first got to the Angels he did not fare too well going winless in his first five starts going 0-4 with a 5.70 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. However, according to Nolasco, Angels pitching coach Charles Nagy convinced him to use his slider more often and it paid immediate dividends.

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In Nolasco’s next seven starts he was nearly unhittable.  Nolasco finished the season with a 4-2 record in his last six starts with an era of 1.47 and a WHIP of 0.70.  Overall Nolasco was 4-6 with the Angels with a 3.21 ERA.

Nolasco best two performances of his season came at the end of August against Cincinnati.  He pitched a complete game shutout against the Reds giving up only four hits and two walks while striking out seven.  This earned Nolasco his first win of hopefully many in an Angel uniform.

Nolasco’s last start of the season on September 27th was also noteworthy.  This time Nolasco went eight innings giving up five hit and two walks while striking out five.  Nolasco only gave up one unearned run in an 8-1 victory that closed his season on a high note.

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For the season Nolasco finished with a 8-14 record and an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.24.  Nolasco struck out 144 batters in 197.2 innings pitched. He is under contract through next season and he also has a club option for 2018 as well so we have not seen the last of Nolasco.  He will probably be either the third or fourth starter in the rotation.

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The best thing about Nolasco is that he is durable with 10 of his 11 starts with the Angels he went six innings or more.  Of those 10 starts, six were quality starts. This kind of durability is something that will be invaluable for the Angels.  If Nolasco can be as effective as he was in his last six starts then the Angels got a steal. Let’s hope so!!

Grade: B