LA Angels Alex Meyer making progress as the team’s DL grows

April 27, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (24) hits an RBI double in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 27, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (24) hits an RBI double in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels pitching staff has already been clobbered by injuries in this still fairly new 2017 season. Halo bats have not been injury free either.  We will dive into the current round of body shots the Angels roster has taken. But first…

LA Angels starting pitcher, Alex Meyer turned in his second straight strong start on Sunday afternoon. Leading the Angels to a series split with the Detroit Tigers, he turned in a 6.1 inning effort. Meyer lowered his ERA two whole runs while striking out seven, walking two, and surrendering just one earned run.  Again, Alex Meyer still has a ways to go to establish himself as a reliable piece in the Angels’ rotation.

More from LA Angels News

Garrett Richards most recent update has the pitcher targeting a late season return. Richards shared with the LA Times that he is hopeful for a potential August return. He is currently out with a nerve irritation leading to bicep weakness in his arm. Oft injured former St. Louis ace Chris Carpenter dealt with the same issue in the past, missing the team’s  postseason.

Meanwhile, first baseman CJ Cron has just returned from the DL. Unfortunately, Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar is headed there. A hamstring strain has sent the third baseman to the DL for two – four weeks. Jefry Marte had just been sent back to Triple A to make room for Cron, however with Escobar’s injury Marte is headed back to Anaheim.

Want your voice heard? Join the Halo Hangout team!

Write for us!

Yunel Escobar’s injury will give the team a chance to see just who out of their three platoon power bats is ready to contribute. While Luis Valbuena and Cron were tabbed to share first base, both have spent time on the DL. Jefry Marte, who like Valbuena can play 3B, got more at-bats sharing first base with Cron and Valbuena. With Valbuena and Marte holding down 3B, Cron looks to potentially get some more AB’s in the next two – four weeks.

Next: Angels Top Prospect Profile: Troy Montgomery

However, for as long as Escobar is out, the extra playing time will give the Angels the opportunity to look at three platoon options. Overall,  hopefully  one or more of them will get hot and help ignite the offense.