LA Angels are getting power from an unlikely source

The LA Angels have two players tied for the team lead in home runs with six. One is a likely suspect, but the other is someone you would probably never expect.

When the LA Angels acquired middle infielder Tommy La Stella from the Chicago Cubs he was thought to be utility man who would play every so often and be the top pinch-hitting option. La Stella thrived in this role with the Cubs in 2018 hitting .266 with a homer and 19 RBIs.

In La Stella’s career he had never had more than five home runs in a season (2017) and no more than two bombs in a season in any other year, until now. La Stella has already hit six home runs in just 20 games.  He has already set his career-high mark and we’ve only played 21 games.

La Stella has also had two multi-homer games, the first against Milwaukee on April 9th in an 11-8 Angels victory. On Sunday against the Mariners La Stella again accomplished that feat with two solo homers against Seattle in an 8-6 victory.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

Angels manager Brad Ausmus did not expect La Stella’s early power surge this season. “Certainly the power has been a surprise. We knew he gave good at-bats, that falls under the category of professional hitter,” Ausmus said. ” But the power has been a very pleasant surprise because we’ve lacked a little power as a team.”

One of the reasons could be the lowered fence in right field at Angel Stadium where three of La Stella’s six homers have found their final resting place.  Another factor is that La Stella has had the opportunity to play more frequently so he has been able to get more consistent at-bats which is also a plus.

Over the past week La Stella is hitting a scorching .385 with three homers with five RBIs with a .429 OBP and a .824 Slugging Percentage. For his efforts Tommy La Stella has been named the Halo Hangout Angel Player of the Week.

Will La Stella hit 15-20 homers this, most likely not, but if he can consistently give the Angels good at-bats you will see him in the line-up more and more.  Good Job Tommy and welcome to Anaheim.