Predicting LA Angels 2018 rotation

Matt Shoemaker

Unlike Richards, Matt Shoemaker has been a key piece and consistent starter for the Angels ever since his rookie campaign in 2014 when he went 16-4 with a 3.04 posted ERA.

Sadly, not everything is fine and dandy with Shoemaker. He suffered arguably his worst season as an Angel last season and only pitched 77.2 innings because of a forearm injury that required surgery.

Besides his injury that kept him out for 12-14 weeks, he showed inconsistency in his starts and posted a 4.52 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP, all below his career averages.

But, if we remove his 2017 season entirely, Shoemaker played in at least 25 games for the Angels between 2014-2016. Showing his ability to be available for the Angels.

If Shoemaker can return from his forearm injury and pitch like he did in his rookie season or even in 2016 when he had a 3.88 ERA, the Angels will have a definite one-two punch that they can feel confident about.