With Justin Upton back for LA Angels is Simmons & others close behind?

The LA Angels have had a number of early season injuries which seems to be a pattern for the Halos. Unlike last season the Angels are still in the race.

When the LA Angels started the season they were hoping to tread water until two key parts of their line-up could recover from injuries. Shohei Ohtani has already return in mid-May and now Justin Upton is back as well. Now all the Angels line-up needs is the return of Andrelton Simmons to be full strength (no, we haven’t forgot about you Zack Cozart, but David Fletcher and Tommy La Stella are doing quite well).

In addition to Simmons return being close, pitchers J.C. Ramirez and Keynan Middleton are also very close to returning as well.  Ramirez’s role upon his return is a question mark because he could be either a starter or reliever.

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Ramirez is making another rehab start for Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday where he will hopefully reach 90 to 100 pitches which will signify his readiness to return to the majors.  When Ramirez returns the question is who will be bumped from the roster and whether he will go into the rotation or become a part of the bullpen.

If Ramirez does join the rotation will Jose Suarez be sent back to Triple-A or will Felix Pena be bumped from the rotation.  The Angels could also go to a six-man rotation like last season although that is a long shot.

The potential Angels line-up looking good.

As for Keynan Middleton he will strengthen the back end of the Angels bullpen when he returns which could be as earlier as the end of June.  Will Middleton unseat closer Hansel Robles is anyone’s guess. Wherever the Angels deploy Middleton he and his 97-99 MPH fastball will be ready to blow away opposing hitters.

Yes the Angels are getting healthy, With a little luck they will stay that way and could make a run toward the playoffs. This could prove to be an exciting summer in Anaheim.  Fasten your seat belts its going to be quite a ride.