Los Angeles Angels: Beating the Houston Astros is a huge plus

The Los Angeles Angels did something that no AL West team has done this season. They beat the Houston Astros in a series. This is a huge confidence boost for the Halos as they press on without Mike Trout.

The Los Angeles Angels are entering a dangerous stretch for the month of June. They’ll face the Yankee’s at home, followed by the Kansas City Royals. Then, the schedule gets extremely difficult. With games on the road vs the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers, the Angels will need everyone to play as they did against Houston.

Currently, the Los Angeles Angels are 33-33, 12 games behind Houston who is dominating the American League West. However, the Mariners and Rangers are not far behind the Angels for the second place position. The Angels are also in the Wild Card race this season, they’re just one game back from being in come playoff time.

This is something that seemed almost impossible last season. However, Billy Eppler has done his due diligence to make this team formidable. Now, with Mike Trout and the core pitching staff on the DL, the Angels still have some fight left in them.

Fighting is one thing the Angels have displayed throughout the course of two injury-filled seasons. As of now, Tyler Skaggs and Mike Trout are due back in mid-July. Garrett Richards could return to the mound in August. So, the possibility of a playoff spot for the Angels isn’t out of the question.

The Angels have seen some great production lately with the emergence of Eric Young Jr. A guy who blasted a three-run homer yesterday against the Astros. Following his display, my phone was blowing up with text from the Halo Hangout team as the praised Young Jr. stating he should remain in the outfield when Trout comes back.

The pitching staff remains steadfast this season. Matt Shoemaker leads the team in strikeouts with 67 on the season. Alex Meyer and J.C. Ramirez are also putting in strong work this season. Ramirez has a 6-4 record on the year with a 4.33 ERA. Meyer is 2-3 with a 4.08 ERA.

If the Angels can just maintain during this tough month, they’ll be in a great position when Mike Trout makes his return. The Angels can’t concern themselves with catching up to Houston or getting in the Wild Card right now. They must take each game one at a time in hopes of making it out of the month of June above or right at .500.