Can reliever Greg Mahle work his way back to the LA Angels roster?

In 2016 Greg Mahle had a stellar Spring Training for the LA Angels and came within an eyelash of making the Opening Day Roster, but Mahle didn’t sulk. A week later Mahle was called up to the majors.

Once Greg Mahle was on the LA Angels roster he pitched very well for the first month of 2016 and was one of then-manager Mike Scioscia’s first options out of the bullpen for a lefty vs lefty match-up and he also was getting right-handers out as well. Mahle had a 1.29 ERA in nine games.

When asked about what he would do if he had to face him, Mike Trout said, “I would try to jump on a fastball early, because once Greg gets ahead of of you he is nasty,” said Trout of Mahle.

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Unfortunately for Mahle the month of May was not kind to him in 2016 as his ERA ballooned as he posted a 6.23 ERA in May.  Mahle continued to struggle in June was sent back to Triple-A Salt Lake with a 5.40 ERA and he never recovered that season.

Mahle righted his ship somewhat in 2017 posting a 4.67 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP pitching for both Mobile and Salt Lake City.  Last season Mahle was slightly better posting a 4.48 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.

However, Mahle was not even talked about for a September call-up when the rosters expanded.  This Spring the Angels are again looking for a lefty specialist and Mahle once again has a chance to win a roster spot if he has a good Spring.

On Saturday in his first action this Spring Mahle looked very good against the Giants pitching two innings of scoreless relief only walking one batter and striking out two in two flawless innings of work. This is only one outing, but if I was the Angels I would keep an eye on him as he could be the answer as a lefty specialist for 2019.

We will see how things pan out this Spring, but do not be surprised if Greg Mahle is up in Anaheim this season.