LA Angels Face Big Test Against Cleveland

The LA Angels have gotten off to a phenomenal start in 2018. After a 3-1 start, their first real challenge awaits them in Anaheim.

After beating up on the lowly A’s, the LA Angels head back for their opening series at home against the Cleveland Indians. While the season is very young, this is the first real test for an Angels team with World Series aspirations.

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Outside of Southern California, the Halos are not seen by many as contenders. However, the Angels would burst onto the scene with a series win against Cleveland.

The Indians need no introduction. Cy Young winner Corey Kluber leads an elite rotation. Andrew Miller is one of the best relievers in the game, and the rest of the bullpen is no easy opponent. Their offense was the seventh best in 2017, and their young stars have only gotten better.

They are perennial World Series contenders. The Angels will have their work cut out for them in this series. If they aren’t able to win the series, it will be no cause for concern. However, winning it may force the rest of the baseball world to give them a little respect.

The Angels have burst onto the scene thanks to an offense averaging 5.50 runs a game and a bullpen that has been able to falter opposing offenses thus far. The starters have been shaky at times, but if they can at least keep games close in this series, the Halos may be able to squeak out a couple of wins.

The Halos will send JC Ramirez, Garrett Richards, and Tyler Skaggs to the mound from Monday through Wednesday, respectively. Cleveland will trot out Mike Clevinger, Josh Tomlin, and then Kluber for the rubber match on Wednesday.

Next: Halos Week One Power Rankings

The Angels can contend for the playoffs this season. Avoiding a slow start to the season is essential, and if they can win a series against a contender like Cleveland this early, they may just be able to make some noise this season.