Angels News: Miguel Sanó Announces Inclusion On Opening Day Roster

MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers

The Los Angeles Angels have not yet announced their full 26-man roster for Opening Day of the 2024 MLB season. However, the pieces are slowly coming together with Opening Day on Thursday. The final roster figures to be announced either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning prior to a 12:05 p.m. PT first pitch against the Baltimore Orioles. And when that happens, infielder Miguel Sanó will be present.

Sanó was brought into Spring Training as a non-roster invite after eight seasons with the Minnesota Twins. He hasn’t played for the Twins — or in the Majors — since early 2022, but was an All-Star in 2017 and had an OPS above .850 in three of his first five Major League seasons. In 23 Spring Training games for the Angels, Sanó slashed .204/.295/.444 with a .740 OPS.

But Sanó’s positional versatility and his power have earned him a spot on the Angels Opening Day roster, the MLB veteran announced via his Instagram on Tuesday and spoke about the excitement of the decision, according to Janis Carr of The O.C. Register:

“For the first thing, I want to say thank you to God and to the Angels for the opportunity,” Sanó said before the Angels’ final spring training game against the Dodgers. “It’s great to have the moment and opportunity that has been given to me.

“I’m going to take care of my job. I’m going to work hard every day to prove what I got every day on the field,” said Sanó, who reported to camp 58 pounds lighter and eager to show he could still swing the bat.

The stats are not eye-popping by any means, but manager Ron Washington explained exactly what he likes about Sanó as a backup corner infielder.

“He swung the bat well and did everything we asked him to do,” Washington said. “He worked his butt off and is very deserving of being on our roster and that’s why he’s here.”

The new Angels infielder is capable of playing the corners at first and third base. Given that the first baseman is a rookie entering his first full professional season in Nolan Schanuel and the third baseman has a massive injury history in Anthony Rendon, Sanó may see some serious playing time.

The Angels clearly feel comfortable with six players in the infield, with Schanuel, Rendon, Zach Neto and Brandon Drury as the likely starters while Sanó and Luis Rengifo take the platoon roles.

Ron Washington seeking consistency from Angels

Angels manager Ron Washington knows what’s ahead for his team in terms of an uphill battle to make the postseason and break a nine-season drought. And for him, it starts with being consistent and sustainable each and every day from the very start of the season.

Angels News: Ron Washington Seeking Consistency & Sustainability In 2024

MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Angels at Milwaukee Brewers

The Los Angeles Angels are beginning their chase for the postseason on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles behind a young roster and a new manager in Ron Washington. After back-to-back 73-win seasons and eight consecutive losing seasons, the Angels are hopeful that their youthful roster can put their best foot forward and surprise the baseball world by making a postseason run.

Washington has already brought with him a culture change that includes new infielding tools and the winning effort that helped the Atlanta Braves secure a World Series championship in 2021. The hope is that breakout years from Logan O’Hoppe, Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel and a revamped bullpen — mixed with Washington’s culture — can lift the Angels beyond an offseason that saw them lose Shohei Ohtani and not sign any major free agents.

In order for that to happen, Washington is looking for the Angels to bring a playoff energy and atmosphere every single day, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:

“We want to be better at the whole game of baseball,” Washington said. “We don’t pick and choose when it comes to baseball. There’s nothing that’s under the game of baseball that we’re not going to address. We’re going to do the fundamentals. And we’re going to do it until it’s consistent and sustainable.

“It’s all about days together on a consistent basis and at the end of the year we’ll see where we stand,” Washington said. “You make it to the playoffs by being there every single day. I don’t care how you feel. But you’re there every single day. And that’s what we’re trying to build.”

With the Angels trying to break an nine-year postseason and an eight-year winning season drought, they know that plenty needs to go right. Especially after an offseason that saw Angels owner Arte Moreno cut costs to the 13th-highest payroll in the league, via Spotrac, despite being in one of the largest markets.

Washington is hoping that a mentality shift can be a game-changer for the Angels, and is working on things one day at a time.

Angels Opening Day Info

The Angels face the Orioles on Thursday, March 28 at 12:05 p.m. PT with Patrick Sandoval on the mound as the Opening Day starter. On the mound for the Orioles is one of the best aces in all of baseball, Corbin Burnes, as the young Angels lineup tries to oust the contending Orioles.

Angels News: Griffin Canning Handles Dodgers Lineup Well In Follow-Up To Bounce-Back 2023 Campaign

MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Angels trotted Griffin Canning onto the mound for the first of three exhibition Freeway Series battles against the L.A. Dodgers. Canning, who finally rounded into form last season after injuries derailed the early phase of his career, has been hoping to build on what he did in 2023 and become a go-to starter for the Angels in 2024.

And a start against the Dodgers to begin that journey is arguably the most difficult thing a pitcher can do. He faced a fully formed Dodgers lineup that featured Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and more. And while Canning did give up four runs in the second inning, the overarching look at the day tells a much more impressive story.

Canning was removed from the game after allowing four baserunners and three runs in the second inning. His fourth earned run was given up by Hayden Seig. But then, as allowed in exhibition games, Canning returned for the third inning and proceeded to strike out six of his next 12 batters over three innings. In total, he allowed four earned runs on three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in 4.2 innings of work.

The Angels starter discussed facing such a talented lineup and what the overall feeling of the day was, as his next start figures to be when the Angels are in Baltimore facing the Orioles for regular season play, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:

“I felt like I had most of my pitches working for me,” he added while discussing his outing against the Dodgers’ A-list lineup of everyday players. “But those guys are such good hitters, you’ve just got to keep mixing it up, keep them on their toes.”

“I feel great,” he said after his final appearance before the regular season begins. “Just staying disciplined with my routine, making sure I’m staying on top of everything I need to stay on top of.”

Based on how the schedule lines up, Canning’s next start could be anywhere from March 30 against the Orioles to April 1 against the Miami Marlins. That has yet to be determined. But either way, Canning won’t have to face a lineup quite as daunting as the Dodgers, even if both the Orioles and Marlins are considered serious contenders.

The Angels are putting their faith in Canning to have an incredible follow-up to his bounce-back 2023. And he has no plans to let them down.

Patrick Sandoval named Opening Day starter by Angels

The only starter that is set in stone for the team’s first road trip of the regular season is Patrick Sandoval, who takes the mound as the team’s first Opening Day starter post-Ohtani. Sandoval described it as an honor to be the Opening Day starter for the team he grew up supporting from Mission Viejo, California.

Angels Still Weighing Options For Jose Soriano After Dominant Final Spring Start

MLB: Spring Training-Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels

Jose Soriano took the mound for his Spring Training finale on Friday as the Los Angeles Angels took on the Chicago White Sox in a split-squad game. And he certainly saved his best for last, putting together one of the best starts of the Spring by any Angels pitcher.

Soriano tossed six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and no walks. He did so in only 71 pitches, an average of only 11.8 pitches per inning. The Angels went into the spring having made the decision to stretch Soriano out as a starter after a breakout rookie season in the bullpen last year. And now that he’s met the challenge with such success, the Angels have a decision on their hands.

They could bring him onto the Major League roster to begin the 2024 season as a reliever, as they still have a couple of undetermined bullpen spots. Or they could send him to Triple-A to continue working as a starter, as their five-man rotation for the season is already set.

Angels manager Ron Washington, who is still undecided on how the team plans to approach Soriano, spoke about what the starter-reliever needs to work on to begin the season after such a dominant end to the Spring, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:

“I like his size, I like his strength and I like his stuff,” Washington said. “It’s just a matter of him just learning how to get through six to seven innings instead of two or three. That’s part of the growth. But he has the quality to do anything that we ask of him.”

A decision has to be made in the next few days with the Angels playing their final Spring Training game on Saturday. However, Soriano is not concerned and is ready to do whatever is asked of him by the Angels.

“I’m prepared for any role,” Soriano said through interpreter Manny Del Campo. “I don’t have any preference at the moment. But I’m ready to go.”

Soriano, 25, still can impact the game in whatever role the Angels determine for him. While being on the Major League roster might be a better short-term move, if the Angels see serious potential in him as a starter, it may be better long term for him and the team if he starts the season as a Triple-A rotation starter.

Angels bringing five outfielders onto Opening Day roster

Washington confirmed earlier this week that the Angels plan on rostering five outfielders on Opening Day. This list includes the obvious Mike Trout and Taylor Ward alongside the platoon trio of Mickey Moniak, Aaron Hicks and Jo Adell.

Angels News: Ron Washington Not Concerned About Managing Five Outfielders

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington had some significant roster decisions to make in the final week before the start of the 2024 MLB season. The most intriguing of these decisions was in the outfield, where the Halos had five options to fill what is traditionally four spots. Mike Trout and Taylor Ward were guarantees, but Mickey Moniak, Jo Adell and free agent signing Aaron Hicks were in a battle for those two remaining spots.

The positional battle had some added intrigue because Adell — who has yet to piece together consistency at the Major League level — is out of minor league options. This meant that his choices were to either make the 26-man roster or end up in a different organization via trade or waivers. Instead, Washington is opting to bring all five outfielders into the regular season.

Teams don’t usually carry five outfielders on their roster. However, Washington believes he can make it work given the individual skillsets of each player, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:

“It’s not gonna be hard because whatever lineup I put out, it’s gonna be the lineup,” Washington said. “So it’s not going to be hard. They’ll get some playing time, every single one of them. So how I’m going to do it, I really couldn’t tell you that right now. But they are going to get some playing time.

“Who’s the pitcher, who has good matchups, who fits well at that time against that pitcher, those types of things,” Washington said. “Who needs a break? And we’ll use the DH, because every one of those guys is gonna find themselves getting a little bit of DH time also.”

If not for Adell’s lack of options, it might have made perfect sense to give him more time in Triple-A while allowing Moniak and Hicks to serve as a platoon. Hicks slashed .349/.446/.524 with a .970 OPS against left-handed pitching last season while Moniak slashed .294/.322/.544 with an .866 OPS against righties.

With Adell on the roster as well, Washington has to find a spot for all three players to succeed. For Adell, that may be a designated hitter role that only plays in the outfield when Ward or Trout need a day off or a day to DH.

The Angels outfield figures to be a story to watch throughout the season unless one player solidifies himself above the rest.

Angels’ Aaron Hicks working on being every day player

Hicks made it clear that while the Angels did not promise him any specific role, his plan is to work his way toward being an every day player.

“If you make yourself feel like you’re a bench player, you’re going to be a bench player,” Hicks said this week. “Obviously, I want to work my way into playing every single day. But, you know, whenever my name is called, I’ll be ready to go.”

Hicks has been arguably the best of the three outfielders in Spring Training thus far.

Gambling Scandal Ousts Former Angels Star Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara

Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, 2021 Season

Over Shohei Ohtani’s six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, he was considered a package deal. Alongside him was his interpreter and lifelong best friend, Ippei Mizuhara. Wherever Ohtani went with the Angels, Mizuhara was close behind, and they remained together when Ohtani made his move to the L.A. Dodgers this offseason on a historic $700 million contract.

However, that no longer is the case due to Mizuhara’s alleged involvement in an illegal gambling scheme, via a shocking news break on Wednesday.

According to Gustavo Arellano, Adam Elmahrek, Nathan Fenno and Paul Pringle of the L.A. Times, Ohtani’s attorneys believe Mizuhara has stolen millions from Ohtani to participate in gambling.

Representatives of Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday accused his interpreter of engaging in a “massive theft” of the ballplayer’s funds to place bets with an allegedly illegal bookmaker who is the target of a federal investigation.

Lawyers for Ohtani made that claim after The Times learned that Ohtani’s name had surfaced in the investigation of Mathew Bowyer, an Orange County resident. Ohtani’s representatives looked into the actions of the interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, in response to The Times’ queries, a source close to the matter said. Two sources told the newspaper that the money involved was in the millions of dollars.

The Dodgers acted quickly in light of this news, firing Mizuhara in the aftermath. MLB has a policy that prohibits “any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee” from betting on baseball or making illegal bets involving other sports. If personnel is found to have participated in such acts, punishment is “such penalty as the Commissioner deems appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances of the conduct.”

Mizuhara was just seen this week alongside Ohtani and his Dodgers teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman for the team’s first media availability after arriving in South Korea for the Seoul Series.

More facts about this case are certain to come to light over the next few months, but for now, it does not seem that this was going on when Ohtani was with the Angels. However, there is no evidence one way or the other with regard to that.

Angels name Patrick Sandoval Opening Day starter

The Angels have announced that Patrick Sandoval is the Opening Day starter for the 2024 MLB season when the Halos take on the Baltimore Orioles on March 28. It is Sandoval’s first Opening Day start and it comes against one of the best pitchers in MLB in Corbin Burnes.

Angels Name Patrick Sandoval Opening Day Starter Vs. Orioles

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics

The Los Angeles Angels have announced that Patrick Sandoval is the Opening Day starter for the 2024 MLB season when the Halos take on the Baltimore Orioles on March 28. It is Sandoval’s first Opening Day start and it comes against one of the best pitchers in MLB in Corbin Burnes.

Sandoval is the natural choice as he is poised for a bounce-back season after establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise’s starting rotation from 2021 to 2023. While 2023 was certainly a down year, no one in the organization has lost any faith for what Sandoval can be. He is entering his age-27 season and already has multiple quality full campaigns under his belt.

Getting named the Opening Day starter is an honor that many pitchers dream of. But it’s especially impactful for Sandoval, who does it for the team he grew up rooting for from Mission Viejo. He spoke about what it means to do what he’s doing for the Angels, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:

“It’s a huge honor,” Sandoval said. “It’s something you dream of as a young kid to be an Opening Day starter. And I get to do it for my hometown team. It’s pretty cool.”

Angels manager Ron Washington detailed what went into the decision to start Sandoval over potential other candidates like Reid Detmers or Tyler Anderson. Washington referenced the way Sandoval has been a de-facto leader in the rotation for several years now.

“I think he’s been the guy that the rest of that staff has looked toward to lead them for a few years here and he came into camp wanting to be that guy,” Washington said. “His progression each time he took the ball proved that he wanted to be that guy. And he earned it. So we gave it to him.”

Sandoval knows that being the Opening Day starter comes with plenty of responsibility. But he is more than ready for the task as he looks to return to the form he had in 2022. That season, he posted a 2.91 ERA in 148.2 innings. Now, as the ace of the Angels staff, he has a chance to be the leader that everyone in the clubhouse believes he can be.

Blake Snell spurns Angels for Giants

The Blake Snell saga finally came to an end earlier this week when it was announced that he agreed to terms on a two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. The Angels were one of the teams vying for his services, although it was never revealed how serious their bidding was.

Angels News: Mike Trout Expected Shohei Ohtani To Leave, But Hasn’t Lost Energy Toward 2024 Season

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout lost his primary running mate this offseason when Shohei Ohtani headed up the I-5 to join the L.A. Dodgers on a historic 10-year, $700 million deal that was nearly entirely deferred. Rumors stated that Ohtani may have stayed in Anaheim had Angels owner Arte Moreno offered the same deal, but he refused and Ohtani swapped from red to blue.

This left Trout and the Angels in an interesting position. Moreno has made it clear that they are cutting costs this season, as their payroll currently sits at $188 million and they did not sign a free agent to a deal larger than $33 million (Robert Stephenson). So Trout is the lone superstar next to Anthony Rendon and a host of potentially promising young players.

If all goes right, the Angels could be competitive this season. But the likelier scenario is the team’s ninth consecutive losing season — ZiPS projections have L.A. finishing 78-84 — and another year missing the postseason with Trout at age 32.

But Trout’s mindset has remained mostly positive throughout Spring Training, even if Moreno isn’t listening to his bids to sign top free agents. And that’s because he went into the offseason with the expectation that Ohtani would leave, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post:

“I kind of knew, the feeling I was getting, the vibe I was getting,” he said of Ohtani. “I’m happy for him.”

Even still, the Angels superstar believes in what the team has. And is looking ahead to what could be a fun season in Anaheim if things go right.

“You never know, that’s the feeling in this clubhouse,” Trout said. “We’ve got a lot of confidence. … It’s going to be fun.”

It’s noted that plenty of things need to go right for the Angels to break their postseason drought. Just about all of their young pieces — Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, Logan O’Hoppe, Reid Detmers, Patrick Sandoval and Chase Silseth — need to have quality seasons, while Trout and Rendon need to stay healthy.

Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon taking starts at DH

In an effort to keep the Angels star duo healthy, manager Ron Washington revealed that both players are starting at least one game per week at the designated hitter position. This means L.A. won’t be signing a traditional DH like J.D. Martinez and will rotate based on need throughout the season.

MLB Odds News: Where Can Angels Fans Bet Legally Online In The US

As California navigates the complex web of legalizing sports gambling, the buzz around the potential for bettors to legally place their stakes on games is palpable, especially within the passionate circles of Major League Baseball fans. With the Los Angeles Angels not pegged as the favorites to clinch the World Series in 2024, the attention from the betting community underscores a dynamic shift in the sports betting landscape. It’s a testament to the game’s unpredictable nature, and the excitement that every pitch, hit, and home run can bring, attracting action from seasoned and casual bettors alike.

The Golden State, known for its sprawling metropolises and vibrant sports culture, stands on the cusp of joining the ranks of states that offer legal sports betting, promising to open up new avenues for fan engagement and state revenue. For Angels fans and bettors, this development is particularly intriguing. While the team may not top the odds charts for the upcoming season, the nuanced understanding of the game’s intricacies allows for a wide range of betting opportunities.

Whether it’s wagering on individual performances, game outcomes, or season-long achievements, the potential legalization in California signifies a broader acceptance and integration of sports betting into the fabric of the fan experience.

Who Can Legally Wager Online?

Currently, 38 states, including Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, offer some form of legal online sports betting in the US. While Delaware allows online casinos and casino games, it does not permit online sports betting. Conversely, online casinos and poker are prohibited in Oregon, but online sports betting is legal.

Angels fans in New Jersey looking to place in-play bets on star players will be pleased to learn that the state’s market for regulated online gambling is the largest in the country, valued at $225M annually. Various online casino sites and betting options will make wagering on the regular season and playoffs straightforward.

Pennsylvania has seen growth after many of the significant casinos operating within the state launched online sites in May 2019. Sports betting is one of such things Pennsylvania online casinos offer.

Delaware residents have no cause for concern, as the state was the first to introduce online gambling after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018. Three online casinos with sportsbooks are available; however, none offers a mobile app yet.

The introduction of mobile apps has simplified baseball bettors’ process of placing wagers on games from anywhere. This convenience is now available in several states, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.

Iowa serves as an example of how online sportsbooks can be established swiftly. Online sports betting launched in the Hawkeye State in August 2019, quickly setting up five sportsbooks for players. Registration processes are unique, requiring forms to be submitted in person at a partnered casino, though this requirement will expire at the end of 2020.

Colorado joined the list of states legalizing online gambling after a successful voter referendum in November 2019. Online sports betting commenced in May 2020, potentially offering up to 33 online sportsbooks for Angels fans to wager on throughout the year.

Despite having no physical gambling venues, Tennessee launched an online betting platform. The state legalized online sports betting in April 2019, with sites going live in 2020.

Who Cannot Wager Legally Online?

Angels fans in Los Angeles will not be able to bet on the team this year. However, there’s optimism as California considers legalizing sports betting, potentially altering the landscape in the coming years. Efforts to legalize mobile wagering through a ballot in 2022 failed significantly, with less than 20% of California voters in support. The future of sports wagering in California remains mainly in tribal gaming interests.

Several other states are also contemplating legalizing online betting.

  • Alabama Sports Betting: After Senate versions of a bill were unsuccessful in the House in 2023, prospects for sports betting in Alabama look bleak again this year. A gambling bill is advancing without including sports betting.
  • Texas Sports Betting: The Texas House passed a bill to legalize sports wagering in 2023, marking a significant step. However, progress stalled in the Senate, and the bill won’t be revisited until the legislature reconvenes in 2025.
  • Georgia Sports Betting: Despite coming close to passing in recent years, sports betting bills in Georgia have consistently been derailed by political challenges. Another attempt is underway in 2024, but its success remains doubtful as time passes.
  • Minnesota Sports Betting: A hopeful legislative effort in 2023 disintegrated late in the session. Advocates are determined to reintroduce a sports betting bill in 2024, aiming for a different outcome.
  • Missouri Sports Betting: In Missouri, the push for sports betting legislation faces internal resistance, notably from Sen. Denny Hoskins. His insistence on including video lottery terminals (VLT) has single-handedly hindered progress.

Overall, the online sports betting scene is much more favorable for Angels and MLB fans across the US than Nevada’s monopolized digital offerings a few years ago. With more states preparing for legal gambling, players will soon have even more options.

Angels Free Agent Rumors: Blake Snell Agrees To Deal With Giants

MLB: Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres

The Los Angeles Angels had been in a quiet pursuit of reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell for the entire offseason. Initially, it appeared that Angels owner Arte Moreno would not concede to Snell’s $200 million price tag, but as the offseason wore on and Snell remained unsigned, belief grew league-wide that he may end up in Anaheim.

Throughout the offseason, the Angels were seen as top contenders for Snell alongside the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. In the final days before signing, the Houston Astros came through as a potential landing spot given the significant injuries to their starting rotation.

The Snell saga finally came to an end on Monday when the two-time Cy Young winner agreed to a two-year, $62 million deal with the Giants according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:

It is a disappointing outcome for Angels fans who were hoping that Snell could come in and be an immediate ace. It is especially so given that Snell’s deal is effectively a one-year, $31 million deal with a player option on the second season. This is not the type of long-term commitment that owner Arte Moreno is usually wary of and the price tag is not historic by any stretch for a Cy Young winning pitcher.

The Giants, meanwhile, add Snell to a rotation that only had four solid options in Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks and Keaton Winn. Snell becomes the ace in San Francisco as they try and push toward the postseason.

As for the Angels, they enter the 2024 season with a relatively set five-man rotation now that Snell is not joining. Tyler Anderson, Reid Detmers, Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval and Chase Silseth figure to be the five-man crew with Jose Soriano also heavily involved in the rotation.

There is reason for optimism with this young and talented group, but the ceiling is certainly not as high as it could have been had Snell jumped on board.

Jose Soriano going back to Angels bullpen

Soriano had spent Spring Training being stretched out as a starter, but a shoulder injury to Robert Stephenson is threatening to place him on the Injured List to begin the season. If that’s the case, Soriano goes back to the bullpen despite the long-term plan to have him as a starter.