Los Angeles Angels Alex Meyer has breakthrough start

When the Los Angeles Angels acquired 6’9 right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer from the Twins last July, they saw a pitcher with tremendous potential. So far, Meyer has not been able to live up to that potential, but Tuesday night was a big step.

The Los Angeles Angels have again been decimated by injuries to their pitching staff this season.  Alex Meyer, who was in the Angels rotation last September, was sitting in Salt Lake City with the Angels Triple-A Affiliate.  Meyer had to be thinking about his Spring Training failure which saw him go 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA with a 2.20 WHIP.

Meyer was the incumbent for the fifth starter spot going into this Spring, but he did not show the command needed walking 10 batters in 10 innings while striking out 9.  Jesse Chavez pitched much better and thus won the fifth starter spot and Meyer got a one-way ticket to Salt Lake until last week.

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That’s when Tyler Skaggs went on the DL with a oblique strain, missing 10-12 weeks. With Garrett Richards also on the DL for at least two months, Meyer was needed to fill a vacant rotation. In his first start Meyer was less than stellar lasting just four innings against Seattle. Meyer gave up six runs in four innings walking three and striking out four while he took the loss.

Tuesday night was a different story. Meyer looked like a different pitcher than his last start. He was staked to an early 1-0 lead on an Albert Pujols solo homer in the first inning, his 596th HR of his career. Meyer gave up a two-run homer to Yonder Alonso in the second before he got out of the inning.

The Angels tied the score in the third on a Ben Revere solo homer.  Yunel Escobar followed three batters later with a three-run homer that gave the Angels a three run lead.  This was just what the doctor ordered.  Meyer took it from there giving up no more runs until a sixth inning homer by Alonso again, ending Meyer’s night.

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Meyer’s numbers were 5.1 innings, giving up three runs on four hits with five walks.  He also struck out seven A’s batters.  For Meyer it was his first win in 2017 and his second MLB win in his career. Hopefully Meyer will continue to pitch well and make the most of his opportunity to possibly win a starting spot.