LA Angels rotation starting to take shape with Richards as the ace

The LA Angels starting rotation is starting to take shape, but there are still questions to be answered.  On Monday the Angels named Garrett Richards as the opening day starter, for the 2nd time in his career.

With the announcement of Garrett Richards as the LA Angels number one starter it gives the rotation a little bit of stability in an otherwise murky situation.  The Angels also named lefty Tyler Skaggs as their number two starter behind Richards.  The two will start Thursday and Friday in Oakland.  This means Angel fans will most likely see both Richards and Skaggs in the first home series against Cleveland on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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The other starters expected to fill out the rotation are Andrew Heaney, Matt Shoemaker, J.C. Ramirez, and of course the much publicized Shohei Ohtani. When Ohtani will make his Major League debut has not yet been determined.  Most likely it will be on Sunday against the A’s or possibly even on the Angels home opener against the Indians next Monday.

Heaney could also began the season on the disabled list with elbow inflamation which could bump Ohtani to even a Saturday start in Oakland.  Most likely Matt Shoemaker will start Saturday as that will be on regular rest as he is slated to start Monday night’s game against the Dodgers.

J.C. Ramirez will most likely follow Shoemaker on Sunday as he is slated to pitch in the final exhibition game against the Dodgers on Tuesday.  This lines up Ohtani to most likely start the Angels home opener against the Indians next Monday.  However, since Ohtani last pitched on Saturday he could go either Saturday or Sunday if the Angels decided to bump Shoemaker and Ramirez back a day.

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Most likely the Angels will announce the rest of the rotation by Wednesday when the final roster cuts are made.  Next Monday night is already expected to be a sellout at the Big “A”.  If Ohtani ends up making his debut that night on the mound, tickets could fetch over $100 on even the upper-level.

Next: Will Luis Valbuena be able to hold down first base?

For now Angel fans and the media will have to wait to see how the Angels will fill out their rotation.  Let’s hope this year will be a much healthier and more effective year for all the Angels staff.