LA Angels Player Grades for 3-1 Series Loss to Oakland

Relief Pitchers

Cody Allen: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER

Making his debut in the first win of the Angels’ season, Cody Allen took the mound with a four run cushion in the ninth inning on Friday.

The team obviously wanted to get him in even without a save opportunity, and he showed why he will be a valuable weapon late in games. The big storyline on Allen is that his velocity has been dropping for years now, and while that is true, Allen is showing that he still knows how to work hitters.

Grade: B

Justin Anderson: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

Anderson made his appearance in the Angels 2-4 loss on Saturday. After a solid Spring Training, Anderson continued showing Halo staff he can be trusted, and could be one the Angels’ go-to guys in the bullpen this year.

However, allowing five balls to be put in play isn’t a recipe for success from relievers. This could hurt him in future outings if he continues allowing consistent contact.

Grade: C+

Luke Bard: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

The “Sultan or Spin” made his 2019 debut and looked good in his single inning. While his efforts came in the Opening Day loss, it was a good time to see what Bard is made of.

His movement was, as always, insane. Bard boasts the highest spin rates of any pitcher in the organization, and is near the top in the entire MLB. The only question is his control, but he seemed solid in that category, evidenced by not walking anyone.

Bard isn’t expected to be one of the Angels’ critical relievers this season, and this outing was impressive.

Grade: B

Cam Bedrosian: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

One of my favorite outings this series, Bedrosian got his 2019 season off to a great start after a rocky past two seasons. He used his fastball/slider combo as usual, but also introduced a splitter. The splitter could be big for what the Angels hope is a breakout season for Bedrosian.

Grade: B-

Noe Ramirez: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER

As was the case in 2018, the Angels may need multiple innings from their relievers on many occasions this year. If the first series is any sign, Noe Ramirez will be the guy they call upon in those situations.

And Ramirez instilled confidence that such a decision would be wise for Ausmus. He came in and shut down the A’s offense for two innings, striking out three and never allowing a real threat to occur. After an up-and-down 2018, Ramirez is off to a phenomenal start this year.

Grade: A-

Ty Buttrey: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

Acquired in the Ian Kinsler trade last year, Buttrey was exceptional in his 2018 appearances with the Angels. He pitched well enough to be the Halos’ “fireman” this year, which means he’ll be used in the most crucial parts of ball games.

That’s how it work this series, with mixed results. In his first outing, he came in after Matt Harvey exited the game and, while allowing two hits, didn’t allow anyone to cross the plate while also striking out one batter.

In his second appearance, he came into the game with inherited base runners a la Tyler Skaggs, and allowed one to score.

So while he hasn’t been the shut down pitcher he and the Angels expect him to be, he’s essentially 1-2 in his opportunities. And that, my friends, is pretty average.

Grade: C

Luis Garcia: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO, 2 BB, 0 ER

Luis Garcia was not a very encouraging nor discouraging player in this series. His stuff seemed average in both appearances, but he didn’t allow a runner to cross. Allowing only one hit in two innings is something Angels fans will accept, but walking one per inning will prove costly if Garcia keeps up at that pace. His outings were the definition of average.

Grade: C

Hansel Robles: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 3 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

I was very impressed with both of Robles’ outings. He was in control throughout the entire outing both times, and striking out nearly half the batters he faced was a good look for someone looking to build on a strong end to 2018. While Robles is not currently one of the most important arms in the bullpen, he could put himself in the upper tier if he continues having good outings.

Grade: A-