The Los Angeles Angels felt the pressure from an oft-injured roster last season, which was a large contributing factor in the team’s fourth-place finish. A problem that plagued an otherwise talented club isn’t forecasted to be an issue as they ready up for 2023.
Manager Phil Nevin took over after the Angels relieved Joe Maddon of his managerial duties amidst a franchise-record losing streak, however, no one can manage their way through an MLB season without a cast of regular players.
The Angels were busy this offseason adding valuable depth in the lineup, pitching staff, and bullpen. General manager Perry Minasian received the financial green light from ownership to push the payroll higher and in doing so, they were able to bolster the margins.
Nevin has raved about the changes made to the club, and according to Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register, there isn’t a carryover from last year’s injuries:
Nevin said the Angels so far haven’t gotten word from head athletic trainer Mike Frostad that anyone has been injured since the start of camp. “No news is good news,” Nevin said. … All the position players are expected to participate in Monday’s first full squad workout of the spring.
The amount of value lost from Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Jared Walsh, José Quijada and numerous others was too much to withstand last season. Minasian brought in Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela to provide them with a duo of veteran-versatile infielders, while also adding Hunter Renfroe to an already power-packed outfield.
Providing them with a few different options should allow Nevin to plug players into multiple spots when the matchup or situation calls for it.
Phil Nevin extremely pleased with Angels’ offseason
The Angels most notably added to their pitching staff with the signings of All-Star starter Tyler Anderson, and relievers Carlos Estévez and Matt Moore. They also upgraded their lineup and defense with the addition of Brandon Drury, Brett Phillips, Renfroe and Urshela.
Nevin noted that the Angels played .500 ball over the final two months of the 2022 season despite not having much firepower in the lineup and believes the additions the team made will help the offense be more consistent. It is an important season for the Angels, and they are hopeful the new additions help push them into the postseason.
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