Predicting LA Angels 2018 rotation

J.C. Ramirez

J.C. Ramirez is an awesome story for the Angels. A reliever converted to starter, Ramirez always hoped to become a starting pitcher. The Angels finally gave him a shot and he delivered. In 147.1 innings pitched, he posted a 4.15 ERA with a 1.344 WHIP. Decent numbers for a first year starter and a surprise to many.

However, then the injury bug infected another victim. Like a reoccurring theme for the Angels, Ramirez suffered a torn ligament in his elbow and opted for stem-cell therapy instead of Tommy John surgery. Something that the Angels will be monitoring over the off-season.

He’s off of my starting five rotation because of his injury. It is very unpredictable what time he’ll be back since the stem-cell therapy can and cannot work, depending on the person.

Alex Meyer

Hip hip hooray for injuries! Alex Meyer suffered a torn shoulder labrum and is expected to miss 12 months, making it really unlikely he pitches in the 2018 season.

It’s such a shame for Meyer because he was beginning to get into a flow for the first time in his career. In 2017, Meyer pitched 67.1 innings and posted a 3.74 ERA. He also averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings  and is known for having a cannon of an arm. Tough luck.

Nick Tropeano

Nick Tropeano is a wildcard. Tropeano, like pretty much everyone else on the Angels’ rotation, suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for all of 2017.

When given the opportunity, Tropeano is a career 3.81 ERA pitcher and does have talent.  But, Tropeano is still very raw and has only pitched 127.2 innings in his career. He pitched 68.1 innings in 2016 which was a career high for him.

It’s skeptical to think Tropeano can be an everyday starter for the Angels because he has never pitched over 100 innings in a season. But, if I were to choose a dark horse to make the starting rotation, it would be Tropeano.

Jaime Barria

Barria might be the most exciting pitching prospect for the Angels. He has propelled himself through the minors and was currently pitching for double-A affiliate, Mobile Baybears, at only 21 years old . This could see himself starting the 2018 season at the Triple AAA level and, baring an injury, could be a spot starter for the Angels if need be.