One of the bright spots surrounding the Los Angeles Angels has been the contributions of many young players on their active roster and how they’ve helped manager Phil Nevin keep the club in a decent position.
Zach Neto, Livan Soto, Logan O’Hoppe and a number of young arms have supplemented the big league roster. With Taylor Ward going through a bit of a cold spell, the Angels called up Mickey Moniak on May 12, and since then he’s been one of the most productive hitters in baseball.
In his 20 plate appearances since his call-up, Moniak has batted .474 with four extra-base hits, including two homers and five runs scored. His 294 wRC+ leads the American League.
His hot start is a welcome party for the former first overall pick, and according to Doug Padilla of the O.C. Register, Moniak is embracing his role with the Angels:
“It feels incredible and I think that is the ultimate goal, to just be here and help the team win,” said Moniak, who was playing in his sixth game since being recalled for the first time this season. “I feel like I have been able to do that the last week being up here and just focusing on one step at a time.”
Moniak is on a solid stretch with finding grass, but his high strikeout rate and low walk numbers will overtake a bit of his thunder, but it’s best to allow him to keep it rolling.
Nevin has a fairly easy decision to make when putting an outfield together with Mike Trout, Hunter Renfroe and Ward getting the bulk of the work. Thankfully for him, when there’s a spot on the lineup card that needs a role player, Moniak is another name he’s beginning to trust.
Angels expect Chase Silseth to stay in rotation
Rookie Chase Silseth is the most recent arm to deal with some misfortune, getting hammered in his first starting opportunity on Tuesday night.
Silseth had primarily been used out in short spurts, mainly because his limited pitch mix plays up out of the bullpen. The Angels former highly regarded prospect lasted just 3.1 innings against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing four earned runs on six hits.
But with a need for arms, the club expects him to remain in the starting rotation for the time being.
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