LA Angels 2021 spring training guide: predicting the starting rotation

Among the players with the best chance to earn a spot in the starting rotation are Jaime Barria and Patrick Sandoval.

Both pitchers threw a small sample size of innings as staters last summer, and Minasian explained he would like to see each continue developing this season.

Jaime Barria and Patrick Sandoval 2020 Statistics:

• Barria (7 games, 5 starts): (1-0, 3.62 ERA) 32.1 IP 1.113 WHIP
• Sandoval (9 games, 6 starts): (1-5, 5.65 ERA) 36.2 IP 1.336 WHIP

Barria is one of four players who will be delayed to the team’s spring camp in Tempe, Arizona due to visa issues. The Panama City native is out of minor league options, so it’s likely he gets moved to the bullpen as a long-inning reliever if he does not crack the starting rotation to begin the season.

Sandoval will enter his third season as a big league pitcher, and the 2021 campaign will be critical for the left-hander to take the next step forward in his career. If not, Sandoval could find himself in the minor leagues, and eventually get surpassed by the younger talent in the Angels farm system.

Will Jaime Barria and Patrick Sandoval be used as starters this season?

Both Barria and Sandoval could be important swingmen for the Halos pitching staff this season. If they perform well, it could result in Minasian considering their longterm futures beyond this season.

It could also mean opening the door for a potential trade at some point in the near future.