Angels Are In The Wild Card Chase

Mike Trout is back and the Angels are in the running for a wild card berth in the playoffs. Who would have thought the Angels could still have a chance when Trout, one of the best players in baseball, had to miss 39 games after damaging a thumb while trying to steal a base. Or when injuries occurred to a whole bunch of teammates. The list is staggering. Pitchers Garrett Richards. C.J. Wilson, Tyler Skaggs, Huston Street, Matt Shoemaker, Andrew Heaney and most recently

centerfielder Cameron Maybin and infielder Yunel Escobar. The Angels went 8-19 in June. They were a last place team but they’ve moved within 2 ½ games of a wild card berth. Their 49-51 record starting this week brought them within ½ game of Seattle in their division and within sight of others including the Yankees. “Injuries are a part of the game,” said Manager Mike Scioscia. “But we’ve been stretched to the limit. With so many lineup changes we’re striving for continuity.”My friend Steve Bisheff, an expert on Angels matters throughout his long sportswriting career has told me “I think this is Scioscia’s best year as the Angels manager. They’re right around .500 despite all the injuries. Remarkable”

Scioscia is in his 17th year as the Angels manager and has a World Series championship on his resume – the 2002 Angels.