LA Angels Receiving Reinforcements In Form of Luis Valbuena
![Mar 15, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/HaloHangout-cover-39587552c8442586c98483124b5e1ace.jpg)
The LA Angels have not had the best of luck with injuries in 2017. However, they have finally received good news on the injury front. 1B/3B Luis Valbuena is eyeing a return on Tuesday against the Mariners.
The LA Angels signed Valbuena back in January to a two-year deal, with a mutual option for the 2019 season. He can play both corner infield positions efficiently, and should start at first base due to C.J Cron’s spot on the 10-day disabled list. Valbuena himself has yet to make his Angels debut because of a hamstring injury he suffered during Spring Training.
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The Angels have had a first-hand experience with Valbuena, as he played for the Houston Astros in 2015 and 2016. In 50 games against the Angels, he hit .261 with a .384 on-base percentage. He drove in 39 runs and scored 20 times himself. He has five career home runs against the Angels.
Valbuena, 31, arguably had his best season last year for the Astros. In 90 games, he had a career-high .260 batting average while also sending 13 pitches over the fence. He tacked on 40 RBI’s and 44 walks, while striking out 81 times. While his power went down (career-high 25 home runs), his batting averaged surged (career .232 hitter).
The Angels signed Valbuena because of the power he brings to the table as a left-handed hitter. He should slot well in the fifth spot, behind Albert Pujols. Valbuena is enough of a threat from the left side of the plate to protect Pujols from right-handed relievers. Teams will also hesitate to intentionally walk Pujols with the threat of Valbuena taking them deep in mind.
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Valbuena is eyeing a return on Tuesday against the Mariners. James Paxton will be the starting pitcher. He is left-handed so Valbuena will face a challenge in his first career game as an Angel. Valbuena does have 10 career home runs against the Mariners, however.