The LA Angels are getting help from unlikely sources.

J.C. Ramirez – 5-3 3.38 ERA 1.16 WHIP

J.C. Ramirez is another Eppler gem that the savvy GM claimed off the waiver wire from the Cincinnati Reds in the middle season and the right-hander has paid tremendous dividends for the Angels. In 2016 Ramirez went from being a mop-up man to being the team closer then back to a set-up role all in the period of two and a half months.

With the Angels Ramirez went 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA and one save. So entering the winter the Angels decided to stretch Ramirez out with the idea of him being a starter in the back-end of the rotation.  In the Spring Ramirez auditioned for a starting spot but ended up in the Angels bullpen to start the season.

Then as has been so common over the past two years a starter went down (Garrett Richards), and Ramirez was pressed into service as a starter and he has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Since becoming a starter Ramirez has a 2.20 ERA and a 3-2 record. He has six quality starts and has gone six innings in six of those nine starts.  Ramirez has arguably been the best Angels starter this season.  If he continues this pace he will definitely earn some respect in the eyes of the rest of the league.

Next: Mike Trout injured?

So in closing the Angels have a lot to be thankful for and still a lot of potential.  We will see how well the Angels how the Angels do the rest of the season.