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LA Angels: Underrated Prospects Who Could Breakout in 2019

By Ryan Falla

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 15: American League All-Star Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels poses with the MVP trophy after a 5-3 victory over the National League All-Stars during the 85th MLB All-Star Game at Target Field on July 15, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 15: American League All-Star Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels poses with the MVP trophy after a 5-3 victory over the National League All-Stars during the 85th MLB All-Star Game at Target Field on July 15, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 03: Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on June 3, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 03: Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on June 3, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Patrick Sandoval, LHP

The Angels acquired Houston Astros top prospect Patrick Sandoval after sending catcher Martin Maldonado to the Astros. Coming from arguably the best developmental system in baseball, Sandoval looks to break into the Major Leagues very soon. He’s highly refined, in 2018 (his 4th MiLB season) Sandoval pitched 122.1 innings of 2.06 ERA baseball.

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What makes Sandoval so good is his ultra-aggressive approach to pitching. He has a refined killer mentality which matches perfectly with his ability to locate a pitch. His high baseball IQ keeps him strategically on top of the situation and his strong pitch ability keeps him racking up outs. 2018 saw Sandoval carry a 10.7 K/9 rate next to a fantastic 2.1 BB/9, which equates to 145 Ks and 29 BB’s in his 122.1 IP throughout 2018.

All in all Sandoval looks ready to man a middle of the rotation role with the Angels. His ability to provide quality innings at a highly competitive level is something the Angels desperately require in their starting rotation. Sandoval has a very strong, controlled rhythm on the mound and is able to keep the groove in his favor. There’s nothing more important than a pitcher who can dominate the games rhythm and ensure hitters are out of their groove during each and every matchup.

There’s little doubt that Sandoval will impact the club when he arrives, and given his development that may be as soon as 2019. The sky is the limit with Sandoval, so even though he projects as a middle of the rotation starter he can easily pitch his way into the #2 role with his commanding mentality and strong repertoire.

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