The Los Angeles Angels had an unforgettable week that could redefine their future. Known for banking their hopes on two stellar players, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, their strategy took a dramatic turn. Until now, the Angels had been playing a balancing act, trusting these two powerhouses to lead a team of 26 men towards postseason glory. However, the results hadn’t panned out as expected, leaving the Angels in search of their first playoff appearance since 2014.
Then came 2023, a year that brought with it a spark of change. The Angels, or Halos as they’re lovingly referred to by fans, found themselves on a winning streak, suddenly painting them as serious contenders for the playoffs. Amidst this newfound momentum, many wondered if the Halos would double down on their pursuit of postseason glory or dismantle their team in exchange for a potential record-breaking deal for their two-way superstar, Shohei Ohtani.
However, the Halos didn’t budge. They held on to Ohtani, bolstered their line-up with the addition of Lucas Giolito in the rotation, and reinforced their bullpen with Reynaldo Lopez. It was an unmistakable sign that the Angels had set their sights on the present, with Ohtani, Mike Trout (when he returns), and their latest acquisition, Giolito, spearheading their journey.
Nonetheless, questions swirl around the high-profile addition of Giolito. Will he fall short of expectations? Kerry Miller from the Bleacher Report predicts a shaky performance, presenting Giolito’s inconsistent home and away splits as proof. Although his argument has its merits, it lacks a direct connection to the dynamics of the Anaheim team.
Indeed, Giolito’s performance has been spotty this year, but his role in the Angels is not to lead, but to support as a second or third arm in the rotation. Throughout his career, and even this year, he’s demonstrated he’s capable of fulfilling this role.
In his inaugural weekend game with the Angels, Giolito put up a strong fight. Despite surrendering two home runs, his overall location was good, and he had a solid outing against the formidable Toronto Blue Jays. If he continues this trend, minimizing home runs, he’ll be just what the Angels ordered, and far from being labeled a “deadline bust.”
