The LA Angels are hoping for some left-handed stability from Dillon Peters

A move that went pretty much under the radar that LA Angels general manager Billy Eppler made back in November that could prove to be important. The Angels acquired lefty Dillon Peters from the Marlins.

At the time when the LA Angels acquired Dillon Peters many people ignored the move thinking there wasn’t much to it. Peters now is looking like he will be one of two pitchers to compete for the Angels lefty specialist in the bullpen in 2019.

Peters has been both a starter and a reliever during his short MLB career. Peters has made 12 appearances with 10 starts and two relief appearances with a 6.10 ERA and a 3-4 record. Not exactly numbers you would want to see from a lefty specialist, but more experience will help Peters’ development.  The Angels could use both of these lefties to bolster the bullpen.

Peters along with Williams Jerez will make-up the left-handed duo that th Angels will rely on to get out tough lefty hitters in 2019.  Peters could also be a starting pitcher if there is a need due to injuries or the Angels decide to go with three lefties in the rotation.

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Peters had a 28-20 record in four seasons in the minors for the Marlins with a 3.37 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.  Peters struck out 285 batters in 339 innings of work.  Peters’ best two seasons were in 2016 and 2017 when he went 14-6 and 7-3 respectively with a 2.38 ERA and then a 1.57 ERA.

In 2018 Peters struggled some going 6-7 with a 5.61 ERA in 19 starts for the Marlins’ Triple-A squad, before being called up to the majors.  This is probably the reason the Marlins decided to part ways with their 10th round draft pick in 2014 out of the University of Texas.

Peters will have to learn to work out of the bullpen as he has only made two bullpen appearaces in his professional career, both in 2018 for the Florida Marlins. He did not fare well in either appearance giving up six runs in three innings of work.

If Peters cannot handle being the lefty specialist he may find himself in the minors to begin the season in 2019.  The Angels will most likely keep either Peters orJerez depending on who performs better this Spring.

This will be one of many battles to be held this Spring for spots on the Angels Opening Day Roster.  Let’s see who steps up.