Los Angeles Angels lineup should fire on all cylinders in 2022
The fact that the Los Angeles Angels managed to post a 77-85 record last year is somewhat miraculous. Both Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon were injured for much of the season, essentially leaving Shohei Ohtani to attempt to do everything himself. Given how ineffective the rest of the lineup outside of Jared Walsh, the Angels having enough offense to win 77 games was remarkable.
The lineup may not be as problematic this season. Both Trout and Rendon are reportedly healthy and ready to go once spring training begins, whenever that will be.
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Trout is clearly a major upgrade to the lineup. He has been one of the best players in the game since his rookie season, finishing in the top five of the MVP vote in each of his first nine seasons. He was in the midst of another stellar season before suffering his calf injury, posting a .333/.466/.624 batting line with eight homers and eight doubles in his 146 plate appearances.
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Rendon is a bit more of a wild card. He was an excellent player in Washington and had a strong first year with the Angels in the pandemic shortened campaign. However, he posted a mediocre .240/.329/.382 batting line with six homers and 13 doubles in his 249 plate appearances as he battled injures throughout the year.
Having both Trout and Rendon back would make a major impact on the rest of the lineup. If Walsh and Ohtani can replicate their performances last year, the middle of the Angels’ lineup should be the force they were expected to be. That will only help players such as David Fletcher return to form as well.
Sometimes, the loss of one or two players can have a major impact on a lineup. That was certainly the case with the Angels last year as two of their expected top three hitters were lost for the majority of the season. Their return, coupled with an expanded postseason, could give the Angels reason for hope in the coming year.
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Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon are both completely healthy once again. The Los Angeles Angels could finally have their formidable lineup for a full season.