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Los Angeles Angels drastic roster turnover in 2021

By David Hill |
Aug 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Angels second baseman David Fletcher (22) fields a ball hit by Cleveland Indians first baseman Owen Miller (6) during the third inning at Progressive Field. Miller was safe on the play. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Angels second baseman David Fletcher (22) fields a ball hit by Cleveland Indians first baseman Owen Miller (6) during the third inning at Progressive Field. Miller was safe on the play. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It would be foolish for any team to expect to have their Opening Day lineup or pitching rotation for an entire season. Between injuries, ineffectiveness, and trades, teams go through a great deal of turnover over the course of a season. However, the Los Angeles Angels have taken that turnover to another level.

As it currently stands, the Angels only have three active players from their Opening Day lineup and starting rotation combined. David Fletcher, Shohei Ohtani, and Max Stassi are the final men standing, with Ohtani the only member of the rotation that is still heading to the mound.

Los Angeles Angels turnover perfect explanation for disappointing season

Injuries have obviously made a major impact. Mike Trout is on the 60 day Injured List, as are three other players from that group, including the rest of the Angels’ starting outfield. Two more pitchers are on the 10 day IL as well, creating more problems for what was already a weakness heading into the season.

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The turnover does not end there. Andrew Heaney was traded to the Yankees where he has imploded. Albert Pujols, Jose Iglesias, and Jose Quintana were all released. Teams just cannot survive that type of turnover, or the continued mistakes, when it comes to building a roster.

Those issues certainly help explain the Angels’ disappointing season. They had been expected to contend for the AL West, but as has typically been the case, they have been hovering around .500 and unable to even sniff a playoff berth. At some point, they must realize that their plan for building a roster does not work.

Maybe this offseason will turn out differently. Maybe the Angels will find that second top of the rotation arm that they need, and their young pitchers can develop into what they were expected to become. They certainly could not do much worse in free agency than they have in recent years.

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The Los Angeles Angels only have three players from their Opening Day lineup and rotation left. It is no wonder they have struggled this year.

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