The Los Angeles Angels have struggled to find viable starting pitching over the past few years. Patrick Sandoval could change that.
Over the past few seasons, the Los Angeles Angels starting rotation has been a turnstile. Between injuries and a seemingly never ending succession of stopgap options that did not pan out, the Angels have not had the pitching they needed. But Patrick Sandoval could change that.
An 11th round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 2015, Sandoval came to the Angels as part of the Martin Maldonado deal. He entered the season as one of the organization’s top pitching prospects, considered to have a plus changeup and above average curve which paired nicely with his mid 90s fastball. While command could be an issue at times, Sandoval has the type of arsenal where he could be a viable middle of the rotation starter.
That did not appear to be the case in his first taste of major league action in 2019. While he rocketed through the minors after joining the Angels, he struggled in Los Angeles. He posted an 0-4 record, along with a 5.03 ERA and a 1.373 WHiP over his 39.1 innings. While he struck out 42 batters, Sandoval also issued 19 walks, showing that he just was not ready.
But what a difference a year makes. While it is still a small sample size of ten innings, Sandoval has looked like a different pitcher thus far. He has allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits and two walks, striking out eight. It has not taken long for manager Joe Maddon to show trust in Sandoval either; his outing on Saturday lasted for 94 pitches, instead of the 70 to 80 pitches that had been planned.
If he can continue to build off of this success, Sandoval could give the Angels another piece to build their rotation around. In theory, Griffin Canning and Shohei Ohtani would provide a formidable, and young, top of the rotation. Sandoval would slot in well as a third or fourth starter.
This also provides hope that the days of cycling through stopgap options in the rotation are nearing an end. With that trio potentially atop the rotation, provided Ohtani can ever stay healthy, the Angels would be able to shore up other areas on the roster. Signing a prominent ace, or fixing the bullpen, would be easier than trying to find two or three pitchers for the rotation every year.
Patrick Sandoval has looked like a different pitcher thus far in 2020. If that can continue, the Los Angeles Angels may have found a piece they have been looking for.