Taylor’s Take: A Look at the LA Angels Triple-A Affiliate

The LA Angels Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees, are currently sitting at number one in their division. This can only mean good things for the Angels.

The Bees are off to a very hot start to their 2017 season. They are number one in the PCL division with a 14-8 record. They currently have eight players with batting averages over .300, two of whom have only played five games though. Still, their offense has been explosive. Although the Bee’s pitching has not been nearly as hot as their offense.

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Among those offensive players is Angels regular Carlos Perez. After starting the year with the Angels, Perez was sent down to Triple-A after five games. With the Angels Perez was batting a measly .077, with only one hit in 13 at bats. Since joining the Bees Perez has been able to hit .400 in 20 at bats. In those twenty at bats Perez has also gained seven RBIs and scored three runs. Perez needs to keep those numbers up so he’ll be ready if the Angels need to call him up.

The Angels aren’t in major need for more position players though. Having the backups in Salt Lake is nice. But, pitching is the biggest area where the Angels could use more help as their starters and bullpen seem to be injury prone this year.

There have been a few highlights on the Bee’s that could potentially help the Angel’s down the

stretch. Greg Mahle, who saw some time with the Angels last year, has a 3.60 ERA in ten innings pitched. As of a few days ago though, Mahle has

been designated for assignment. Another bullpen arm that could get called up is Keynan Middleton. Middleton is a young pitcher that has climbed his way up the Angels farm system. This year he seems to have settled nicely into the Bees bullpen. In 10.2 innings pitched Middleton has a 3.38 ERA and a 1.312 WHIP.

One major thing to look out for are the Bees starting pitchers. There is a chance the Angels rotation could use some more help if they can’t stay healthy. Here are two starters that have a shot to get called up.

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One of the Bees starters to keep an eye on is Troy Scribner. Scribner has started three games for the Bees. Within those three games he has pitched 15.2 innings, not pitching past the fifth inning. In those three games though he has struck out at least six in each game. He currently has the lowest WHIP of the Bees starters by far at 1.09, and an ERA sitting at 2.87. In comparison Alex Meyer, who had a short start with the Angels, has a 6.16 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 19 innings in Triple-A.

Manny Banuelos is another starter to be aware of. His ERA is rather high at 4.78 due to his last two starts being rocky. But, he has the most innings pitched for the Bees at 26.1 with a total of five starts. Within those five starts he has struck out 15, walked 14, has 14 earned runs, given up 23 hits, and has a 1.41 WHIP. He may not be ready for a call up tomorrow, but if he can stay consistent he could be some rotation help if the Angels can’t stay healthy.

Next: Will the Angels keep rolling into Seattle?

Nate Smith is another starter to keep an eye on as the season progresses. As of right now though, he is on the 7-day disabled list.