The Los Angeles Angels have finalized their opening day roster for the 2020 season. While there were a few surprises the majority of the roster has been set for a while now. The only question is who will still be on the roster after the two cuts to 28 players and ultimately 26 players. Let’s take a look at the Los Angeles Angels Opening Day 2020 roster.
Bullpen:
- Jacob Barnes
- Cam Bedrosian
- Ryan Buchter
- Ty Buttrey
- Mike Mayers
- Keynan Middleton
- Hoby Milner
- Felix Pena
- Noe Ramirez
- Hansel Robles
Catchers:
Infielders:
- David Fletcher
- Tommy La Stella
- Albert Pujols
- Anthony Rendon
- Andrelton Simmons
- Matt Thaiss
- Jared Walsh
Outfielders:
Biggest Surprises
The Los Angeles Angels do not want to rush their number one prospect onto the field, especially if they feel he is not ready. General Manager Billy Eppler spoke with his star youngster Jo Adell explaining his reasoning behind the decision to leave him off the roster. Joe Maddon and Eppler both believe that they need “every aspect of the game to be consistent” before Adell can play in the majors. He has been left off of the roster due to his defensive skills not being fully developed.
Another surprise on the roster was the addition of Taylor Ward. Ward has proven to be a versatile player with reps all over the field including catching and playing right field. He is also capable of playing the infield, and Joe Maddon loves versatility.
Anthony Rendon Update
Anthony Rendon is not playing on opening day and is expected to miss a few games with an oblique injury. Los Angeles Angels manager said that Rendon is “nursing an oblique injury that is improving but will nonetheless keep him out for at least the first two games.” Maddon is confident that his star third baseman will be able to compete in the back end of their series against the Athletics.
All the Pieces in Place
With the best player in baseball already locked up for life, the Los Angeles Angels have to build around him. The addition of Rendon is a huge addition to the already good lineup. Rendon is an All-Star caliber player on both sides of the ball. Shohei Ohtani has already gone through Tommy John surgery and does not have an innings limit on him in this year’s shortened season. This offense is ready to roll with a very solid offense but the pitching is going to make or break the Angels this year. They can obviously pitch but do they have the pitching depth to keep up with the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics? Only time will tell, and in this 60 game sprint Angels fans will find out rather quickly what their fate this year is.
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