David Fletcher has been a big lift to LA Angels since Cozart injury.

David Fletcher was a relative unknown player when the LA Angels drafted him in the sixth round of the 2015 Amateur Draft out of Loyola Marymount University.  Now he is playing a key role for the Angels.

When the LA Angels signed Zack Cozart in the off-season they thought they had solved their third base issue for the next three seasons.  Unfortunately things don’t always go as planned. Cozart was lost for the season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder last month.  The Angels were scrambling to find someone with the versatility that Cozart offered.

Cozart played 2nd, 3rd, and shortstop for the Angels this season due to various injuries to Andrelton Simmons and Ian Kinsler forced him to play the other positions.  Since Cozart was injured trying to making a diving catch, Fletcher has taken over this role and has played all three positions as well.  For Fletcher playing third base was a new experience as he had never played there in the minors or even in college.

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Fletcher has handled the transition seamlessly making only one error in 45 total chances.  He even has played four games in right while Kole Calhoun was injured.  Fletcher is hittng a respectable .273 with one homer and seven RBIs with a stolen base. Recently manager Mike Scioscia has been putting Fletcher in the lead-off spot.  While he has not been stellar there, he has held his own in the role.

The biggest thing Fletcher has done is provide some stability even in the midst of chaos.  Fletcher has been that way everywhere he has played in the Angels organization and is being billed as the Angels second baseman of the future.  While Fletcher may not be playing second base at the moment, he is showing why the Angels think so highly of him.

Next: Justin Anderson: Mid-Season Report Card

David Fletcher is most likely in the big leagues to stay and he will only get better with experience.  For now Fletcher is content to play wherever Mike Scioscia needs him and he will give it his all.

Mid-Season Report Card Grade = B – 

So why did Fletcher receive this grade?  Fletcher has done good, but not great.  His defense and learning a new position on the fly.  On the flip side his hitting has been so-so but Fletcher will get better with experience.  Overall, he is a very good substitute for Zack Cozart and will only get better.