LA Angels Week Two Power Rankings

2.) Keynan Middleton (5)

Last year, Keynan Middleton had a fiery rookie season for the Halos. He started hot, but fell into a slump over the second half of the season. However, he finished the season with 11 straight shutout appearances. Now, he has yet to allow a run in 2018, where he has pitched six innings over five appearances. Middleton has the command and confidence necessary for him to succeed in this league, and that is starting to pay dividends already.

Middleton appears to be Mike Scioscia‘s closer of preference at this point in the season. While he has only recorded one save so far, he has been the ninth inning guy multiple times. Him not recording multiple saves is a credit to the Halos leading by more than three runs at the end of games.

Middleton has pitched high intensity innings, something he struggled with last year. He has struck out four batters while walking two, which is not a great ratio but it both walks have been on close calls. Another part of Middleton’s game this year that is impressive is that he has yet to allow a batter to take him deep. That is something he struggled with last year, allowing 11 home runs.

Middleton is young, confident, and has taken over as the closer for this team.