Although the Houston Astros are perhaps the hottest team in MLB, the Los Angeles Angels remain tied in first place of the AL West division with them.
It’s refreshing and surprising to see the Angels field a competitive supporting cast for Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, as the franchise looks for its first playoff ticket since 2014.
Yes, Trout and Ohtani have played at a really high level in 2022, but the contributions from unexpected sources are the ones raising the team’s ceiling.
“Reid Detmers is the #Angels second Player of the Week in 2022: Taylor Ward (April 25-May 1). First LAA pitcher to win it since Matt Shoemaker (July 11-17, 2016) & first LHP since Chuck Finley (July 28-Aug. 3, 1997). First Halos rookie to win since Shohei Ohtani (twice in 2018),” the Angels PR Twitter account wrote.
Reid Detmers is the #Angels second Player of the Week in 2022: Taylor Ward (April 25-May 1)
First LAA pitcher to win it since Matt Shoemaker (July 11-17, 2016) & first LHP since Chuck Finley (July 28-Aug. 3, 1997)
First Halos rookie to win since Shohei Ohtani (twice in 2018) https://t.co/h6942HeH1v
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) May 16, 2022
Detmers, who pitched a no-hitter last week, has been an important staff member, but Ward deserves a special mention as the best hitter on the team.
Unexpected Sources Of Consistent Production
Yes, that’s right: Ward is slashing .385/.500/.747 with eight home runs in the early going.
He has been a big reason why the Angels are so tough to beat.
Among hitters, rookie Brandon Marsh has been steady, as has been Anthony Rendon and Jared Walsh.
Ohtani has pitched like an ace (2.78 ERA in 32.1 innings) but Patrick Sandoval, Noah Syndergaard, Detmers, and Michael Lorenzen have all been masterful: Detmers, at 3.77 has the highest ERA of the group.
Unlike recent seasons, the Angels’ pitching corps are looking good and deep, giving them a fair shot at earning a postseason spot.
Will this be the year for the Angels?
As long as they keep enjoying contributions from sources other than Trout and Ohtani, they have a great chance.
NEXT: Reid Detmers Honored By MLB For His Historic Week