LA Angels: Halos’ biggest strengths and weaknesses through 16 games

Another strength for the Angels as previously mentioned is their bullpen which has looked sharp even after most of the Halos relief pitchers last season are all gone.

Angels: The bullpen has been rebuilt, and ranks amongst MLB’s best.

Angels general manager, Perry Minasian, worked hard on finding the right pieces that would help shape the bullpen and they’ve delivered thus far. Heading into Wednesday, the Angels bullpen is tied for first in all of MLB. They are right there with their division rival Mariners, with a combined 3.75 ERA, holding hitters to a .248 combined average with a 1.33 WHIP and 62 strikeouts.

One name from last season that has stayed consistent is Mike Mayers, he has a 0.93 ERA in eight games pitched with a 1.03 WHIP and holding opposing batters to a .171 batting average.

Mayers did allow three runs in Wednesday’s game agains the Rangers, but the blame should not be put entirely on him. Manager Joe Maddon opted to use Mayers for the second consecutive contest after he threw 27 pitches the previous night. It doesn’t matter how much he’s been locked-in, that’s asking a lot for any pitcher. He’s still impressed enough this season to believe his most recent outing is a slight bump in the road.

Other recent acquisitions that have performed well are Steve Cishek and Tony Watson which were last-minute moves for the Angels and have proven effective so far.

While that’s been going great for the Halos, there are some weaknesses they need to address if they want to stay at their current pace.