The Los Angeles Angels are in no rush to name Opening Day starter.

The Los Angeles Angels aren’t eager to name their Opening Day starter to kick off the 2017 season. Could there be an ace battle during spring training?

The Los Angeles Angels are approaching the 2017 season with a variety of questions surrounding the pitching staff. Mike Scioscia isn’t willing to answer those questions as of now, which is understandable to a certain degree.

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While most teams have announced their opening day starters, the Angels aren’t doing so yet. Some believe and have speculated that Matt Shoemaker could be named the Opening Day starter. Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register wrote an article stating that:

“Matt Shoemaker, who started on Tuesday, is currently in line to pitch the April 3 opener at Oakland, if he continues to start every fifth day.”

Fletcher goes on to say that Garrett Richards and Shoemaker have no idea what is going on. So, as of now, only Scioscia truly knows what the plan is for Opening Day. However, I wonder if maybe Scioscia trying to decide who the Angels ace is.

Both Shoemaker and Richards are freshly coming back from serious injuries. Now, they are finding their rhythm during spring training. Richards has pitched four innings over two games and has an ERA of 6.23 and a WHIP of 1.62. Shoemaker has pitched nine innings over three games and has an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.22.

Related Story: Richards looking healthy so far

Now, these numbers are just spring numbers, it’s not as if Richards and Shoemaker are going to pitch this way during the season. However, what’s clear is Sosh see’s something that merits a possible changing of the guards within the starting rotation.

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Angels fans shouldn’t be opposed to Shoemaker getting the Opening Day start. Shoemaker is capable of being the guy on this team. However, Richards has been the guy that has earned his spot as the ace. Learning under Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson, Richards was on the path to take the ropes prior to his injury.