Are the LA Angels legitimate contenders for AL West

Angels have had many injuries already in 2017, they must get healthy to contend

The 2016 season was disastrous for the Angels much of the reason for this was the plethora of injuries the team endured throughout the season. So far 2017 has not started out much better as the Angels have already had two starting pitchers and all three of their closers land on the disabled list.

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In addition two of their first basemen C.J. Cron and Luis Valbuena have also spent time on the disabled list and starting third baseman Yunel Escobar is currently on the DL. Mike Trout and Albert Pujols have also missed time recently due to hamstring injuries.

Despite all of the injuries the Angels have managed to stay afloat thus far as they sit at .500 winning 6 of their last 10 games.  This is due in large part to the depth of the team that general manager Billy Eppler assembled during the off-season.

Bud Norris and Yusmeiro Petit have been major contributors as has Blake Parker, all of whom were non-roster invitees that Eppler picked up in the off-season.  Another Eppler move that has paid dividends is the signing of swing man Jesse Chavez.

Chavez has been the Angels most consistent starter this season.  Chavez has four quality starts in nine chances, but has gone at least five innings in all but one start.  He is 4-5 with a 4.61 ERA.  While these are not Earth shattering numbers they are still solid and have kept the Angels from having to go into their bullpen as early.

The Angels depth has also been key in the outfield with Trout missing five games as both Ben Revere and Cameron Maybin have been able to fill-in for the centerfielder while he was nursing a hamstring injury. The fact that the Angels had a plethora of corner infielders has also been important with the Escobar, Cron, and Valbuena injuries.

However for the Angels to make a run for the division they need their starting position players to all be healthy. They also need to get Richards and Skaggs back in the second half of the season in order to solidify the rotation for a stretch run and potential playoff appearance.

Until then the Angels depth will be key.