LA Angels Can’t Forget About Nick Tropeano

The LA Angels were absolutely rocked by injuries this season. It seemed as if every starter missed notable time due to injury. Nick Tropeano missed the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, the Angels cannot forget about him as a future piece of their rotation.

The LA Angels lost Nick Tropeano for the 2017 season after he opted for Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow last season. He has been making steady progress throughout the year though, and is expected to be fully healthy for the 2018 season.

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Tropeano, 27, had a career year in 2016. He had a career-low 3.56 in 13 start. Tropeano struck out batters at a high rate, with 9 strikeouts per nine innings. He struggled with keeping the ball in the ballpark though, allowing 14 home runs.

However, Tropeano is slated to be a big part of the Halos future. With Garrett Richards back to his true self, the Halos have their #1 starter. Behind him, a collection of Parker Bridwell, Tyler Skaggs, Matt Shoemaker, Andrew Heaney, and Tropeano will be competing for rotation spots in 2018 (standout pitcher Alex Meyer will miss 2018 following surgery).

Tropeano may have been forgotten by Angels fans, but he could be their savior. He is just entering his prime years. “NiTro” is also under team control until 2022. He recently moved down to the Angels training facility in Tempe, Arizona. He will be continuing his throwing program there, with hopes to pitch in the Arizona Instructional League once that season begins.

Tropeano has gotten better in every season he has pitched. His ERA has continued to drop while his strikeout rate has steadily improved. If he is able to shake off his rust throughout the offseason, Tropeano could serve as the Halos second starter next year.

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While he could face an innings limit, Tropeano will be a huge addition to the 2018 Halos. He is the type of player that the Angels needed down the stretch run this year, and will definitely help the team’s 2018 playoff chances.