(March 22, 2017) - MLB.com€¦ · March 22, 2017 Page 5 of 16 ON THE MOUND: In relief of starter J.C. Ramirez, right-handers Jose Valdez and Justin Miller and left-hander Cody Ege
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Clips
(March 22, 2017)
March 22, 2017 Page 2 of 16
Today’s Clips Contents
FROM LOS ANGELES TIMES (Page 3)
Angels' Huston Street in no rush to return from injury this time around
Angels defeat Reds, 9-1, in spring training
FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER (Page 5)
Angels' J.C. Ramirez continues to impress in race for starting rotation
Angels explode late to beat Reds
These men took a manly trip to spring training, complete with spa pampering
Angels Notes: Mike Scioscia impressed with Tyler Skaggs’ outing
Angels increase staffing, alter workouts in ‘proactive’ effort to reduce injuries
FROM ANGELS.COM (Page 12)
Ramirez making big push for starting rotation
Angels rally, take advantage of Reds' miscues
Street on track to resume throwing next week
FROM SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL (Page 16)
StubHub Now Has Direct Integration With 29 Of 30 MLB Clubs After Signing New
Angels Deal
March 22, 2017 Page 3 of 16
FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES .
Angels' Huston Street in no rush to return from injury this time around
By Pedro Moura
Angels reliever Huston Street visited team physician Steve Yoon in Los Angeles on Monday for an update
on his strained back muscle.
An ultrasound showed a small defect in the latissimus dorsi, Street said. He said he was told it’s
consistent with the original timeline of healing, diagnosed via the initial MRI exam taken after his March
3 spring debut.
At the time, the Angels announced Street would not throw for three or four weeks.
Street will visit Yoon when the Angels break camp at the end of the month, hoping to gain clearance to
begin a throwing program. The 33-year-old right-hander rushed back from an oblique strain last season
trying to help out a struggling bullpen, and his performance suffered.
A potential free agent at this season’s end, Street re-committed to strength training over the off-season
and lost 15 pounds, earning raves from Manager Mike Scioscia and club officials, including owner Arte
Moreno.
But he was injured two batters into spring training. Now, he says he is determined to not return before
he is fully prepared for the season.
“This is not going to be one of those where I’m going out there rolling the dice,” Street said. “I’m gonna
make sure that when I come back I have the best chance of performing well. There really isn’t a way to
rush this one. You have to build up innings. You have to have that spring training.”
Street was expected to compete with upstart Cam Bedrosian and veteran Andrew Bailey for the club’s
closer role in spring training. Without him, the Angels bullpen is noticeably devoid of relievers with
extensive track records. Scioscia has often opened seasons with set seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-inning
relievers, forming a depth chart of sorts. It’s unclear how that will work to begin the season.
Still, Street said he was determined to recreate a version of the spring he missed. It could last only three
or four innings, he said, but it needs to have some substance.
“I’m gonna come back healthy, and ready to pitch exactly how they need me, full-speed,” Street said.
“That’s what I’m going to do.”
Ramirez for starters?
The Angels announced in November that they’d try reliever J.C. Ramirez as a starter during spring
training. If it did not work out, General Manager Billy Eppler said Ramirez wouldgo back to the bullpen.
March 22, 2017 Page 4 of 16
The right-hander was always likely to make the team, because he’s out of options and cannot be sent to
the minors without first being exposed to waivers.
With opening day less than two weeks away, Ramirez is still starting — to even his own surprise.
“Personally, I thought they’d give me two outings and then have me go back to the bullpen,” he said
after his start Tuesday.
Wielding a curveball he brought back into his repertoire for his new purpose, the 28-year-old pitched
five innings and gave up one run against Cincinnati, the team that ceded him on waivers to the Angels
last summer. He had not thrown five or more innings in a game since September 2011.
He has increased his stamina from five outs to 15 this spring.
Scioscia said he was impressed with how Ramirez held his velocity during Tuesday’s game. Ramirez
remains unlikely to open the season in the rotation, as both Jesse Chavez and Alex Meyer are more
established candidates, and left-hander Tyler Skaggs appears healthy. But he seems certain to make the
roster.
“Whatever they decide, to make me a reliever or starter, would be OK for me,” Ramirez said.
Short hops
Right-hander Vicente Campos has not pitched in a game since March 5 because of a nerve issue in his
forearm. He is now playing catch. The Angels claimed him off waivers from Arizona in November. …
Meyer and fellow right-hander Yusmeiro Petit will start the two major league games Wednesday;
Chavez will pitch in a minor league game. … Designated hitter Albert Pujols was not in camp Tuesday
morning because of a charity commitment in St. Louis on Monday, Scioscia said. He is expected to return
Wednesday.
Angels defeat Reds, 9-1, in spring training
By Pedro Moura
The Angels defeated Cincinnati, 9-1, on Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark. The Angels are 13-10 in Cactus
League play.
AT THE PLATE: The Angels scored their first five runs in the seventh inning. With two outs and the bases
empty, Danny Espinosa singled, Jefry Marte walked, and Ben Revere reached on an error. Catcher Tony
Sanchez then walked, Nolan Fontana doubled, and Kole Calhoun singled. … Until that inning, the Angels
had produced only one hit, a second-inning single by Revere. Reds left-handed pitching prospect Cody
Reed struck out five in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. … In the eighth, Eric Young Jr. singled, Marte doubled,
Sanchez singled, and minor league infielder Matt Williams singled, resulting in three more runs. … In the
ninth, Young Jr. hit a solo shot.
March 22, 2017 Page 5 of 16
ON THE MOUND: In relief of starter J.C. Ramirez, right-handers Jose Valdez and Justin Miller and left-
hander Cody Ege all pitched scoreless innings. All three appear likely to finish on the outside of the
opening-day roster mix, although Ege has yet to give up a run in 8 1/3 spring innings.
EXTRA BASES: Third baseman Yunel Escobar was again scratched from the Angels’ starting lineup
because of an abdominal strain. He has not played since Friday, but Manager Mike Scioscia said the
injury was not major. … Shortstop Nolan Fontana fumbled a grounder in the second inning. … In a
concurrent minor league game back at Tempe Diablo Stadium, right-hander Garrett Richards gave up
four hits and an earned run over five innings, striking out one against the triple-A Milwaukee Brewers.
He threw 71 pitches.
UP NEXT: Angels vs. the Texas Rangers at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. TV: FS West;
Radio: 830. Also, Angels vs. the Seattle Mariners at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Peoria Sports Complex. No TV
or radio.
FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER .
Angels' J.C. Ramirez continues to impress in race for starting rotation
By JEFF FLETCHER
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – When the Angels said they were going to give J.C. Ramirez a chance to start this
spring, it seemed like a token gesture.
Even to Ramirez.
“I personally thought they’d give me two outings and then say ‘OK, go back to the bullpen,’ ” Ramirez
said.
But there he was on Tuesday, completing five innings in a major league exhibition game less than two
weeks before opening day. Ramirez gave up just one run on four hits, striking out six and walking none.
“Everything was working,” he said. “My sinker was down. My curveball was good. My slider was good.
I’m trying to keep myself in the fight for the spot.”
Manager Mike Scioscia confirmed afterward that Ramirez still has a chance start once the season
begins. He wouldn’t say exactly who else is in the running, though.
“You can see which guys are there and are throwing the ball well,” he said.
Alex Meyer, who is expected to get five innings in a start on Wednesday, seems to be the only other
candidate outside of the original top five: Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker, Tyler Skaggs, Ricky
Nolasco and Jesse Chavez.
Ramirez, who has allowed nine earned runs in 16-2/3 innings this spring, was at his best on Tuesday.
March 22, 2017 Page 6 of 16
“I thought it was very impressive,” Scioscia said. “What was impressive was not only the stuff, the
explosive fastball, the breaking ball and slider, but what we saw up to a higher pitch count. He’s getting
to 70 pitches and maintaining his stuff.”
Ramirez, 27, was pitching against a Cincinnati Reds team that placed him on waivers last year, allowing
the Angels to claim him. He was a solid reliever for the Angels in the second half. Considering that he’s
out of options, it was likely that Ramirez was going to be on the pitching staff in some capacity all
along.
Now, though, he’s given the Angels something to think about.
“I’m enjoying it right now,” he said. “I have that starter adrenaline.”
Ramirez has pitched 108 games in the majors with five teams, and they’ve all been in relief. His last
start in a the regular season was in 2011, in Double-A.
If the Angels do keep Ramirez in the rotation, it could be at the expense of Skaggs, at least temporarily.
Skaggs is currently a little behind the other starters because he missed a start with shoulder fatigue. It’s
possible the Angels would have Ramirez take the first couple starts while Skaggs catches up.
Skaggs said he believes he has time to get ready for the regular season, though. He threw 50 pitches on
Monday night, working four scoreless innings.
“He looked great,” Scioscia said Tuesday morning. “Being able to get up four times (for four innings) is
great, but especially doing it in 50 pitches. The quality of his pitches was terrific. That would translate
into a good outing against a major league team.”
Besides the names of the pitchers in the rotation, the order is still a mystery. Currently, they have
Shoemaker lined up to pitch opening day, and Richards in line to pitch the third game of the season.
Angels explode late to beat Reds
By JEFF FLETCHER
THE GAME: The Angels scored nine runs after the sixth inning to beat the Cincinnati Reds, 9-1, on
Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz.
PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander J.C. Ramirez tossed five innings and allowed just one run, on a homer
just inside the pole. He struck out six and did not walk a batter. ... Right-hander Jose Valdez gave up
two hits but escaped with a scoreless inning, thanks to two strikexouts. Valdez has allowed one run in
eight innings this spring, keeping him in the race for one of the final bullpen spots. ... Left-hander Cody
Ege struck out three, around two hits, in a scoreless inning. He hasn’t allowed a run in 8-1/3 innings this
spring, with eight strikeouts and no walks. ... Right-hander Garrett Richards gave up two runs, one
earned, in five innings in a Triple-A game on Tuesday. The Angels wanted Richards to pitch in the
controlled environment of a minor league game so they could be sure he got to about 75 pitches. He
threw 71.
March 22, 2017 Page 7 of 16
HITTING REPORT: Center fielder Mike Trout walked and struck out twice. After his second strikeout,
which was called, Trout clearly disagreed with the call and had a discussion with umpire Dana DeMuth.
Trout had just six strikeouts in his first 39 plate appearances of the spring. ... Left fielder Eric Young Jr.
hit his first homer of the spring. ... Center fielder Jahmai Jones, the Angels top prospect, made his
debut in a major league exhibition game. He struck out. ... The Angels had 10 hits from nine players,
with only Young getting two.
DEFENSE REPORT: Shortstop Nolan Fontana mishandled a grounder. ... Catcher Carlos Perez threw out
a runner trying to steal second, ending the inning with a runner at third. Angels catchers have thrown
out 15 of 29 runners trying to steal this spring.
UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Alex Meyer) vs. Rangers (RHP Allen Webster), Wednesday, 1 p.m. PT, Tempe
Diablo Stadium, Fox Sports West, KLAA (830 AM); Angels (RHP Yusmeiro Petit) vs. Mariners (RHP Cody
Martin), Wednesday, 1 p.m., Peoria Stadium.
These men took a manly trip to spring training, complete with spa pampering
By Jimmy Camp
Spring training baseball doesn’t really matter, some people say.
Well, it matters to me.
I’m one of those fans who at any given time during the season knows exactly how many games the
Angels are ahead or behind, who they played that day, the score and not only who’s pitching, but their
ERA as well.
It also matters to my friend Sandy Cooney. Sandy’s parents migrated west from Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1964,
much like their beloved Dodgers had done six years before, to sunny Southern California.
In 1964, at age 8, Sandy persuaded his father to make the trek up the freeway to Chavez Ravine to see
the Dodgers play the Cubs. Sandy has been bleeding Dodger blue ever since.
I was hoping to make it out to Tempe, Ariz., this year for some spring training action, and while
checking the schedule, I saw the Angels were playing the Dodgers at their home field in Glendale, Ariz.,
on a Saturday. Then the Angels would host the Dodgers on Monday. Naturally my first thought was to
call Sandy.
"Cooney! Coon-Dog! Coonmeister! Angels, Dodgers, spring training, next weekend, ROAD TRIP! …You
in?"
How could he resist a dude’s weekend excursion of manly-type manliness? I’m talking hot dogs,
peanuts, beer, not shaving, burping, scratching at will, a four-day-long testosterone extravaganza in the
desert. Did I mention baseball too?
After checking with the wives to make sure it was cool … IT WAS GAME ON!
March 22, 2017 Page 8 of 16
It was my responsibility to locate the necessary accommodations for the long weekend. Shouldn’t be
too hard. A cheap motel, close to the ballpark, two beds and a roof over our heads would suffice. After
all, we’d be spending all our time watching baseball or at the bar.
No luck. All booked.
I then noticed that within walking distance of the Angels’ Tempe Diablo Stadium was the Phoenix
Marriott Tempe at the Buttes. Not exactly what I had in mind, but maybe our only option. I sent a link
to Sandy.
"Looks a little chi-chi to me, dude."
"Yeah, but might be our only option, though, plus check out that pool and there’s a full-on spa. A
massage might be cool. Right?"
"Book it, Dano."
•••
Camelback Ranch is a sprawling, 141-acre, state-of-the-art baseball facility with Sonoran Desert-
inspired landscaping and walking trails that wind past streams and waterfalls leading in to the ballpark.
It was an unseasonably warm 88 degrees when Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu threw out the first pitch
on a Saturday afternoon. Ice cold beers helped as the sun beat down. A perfect day for baseball.
We stayed to the bitter end, even though the Angels trailed 8-2 going into the ninth. Real fans stay for
every pitch, even though we were hot and sweaty and eager to get to our hotel and the pool.
Nestled into the natural rock formations overlooking the Valley of the Sun, the 25-acre Marriott Tempe
at the Buttes blends in. Even the lobby shapes itself into a landscape abundant with cactuses and
wildflowers, with a waterfall spilling down outcroppings of rock to the Market Café below.
We checked in. Dumped our bags in the room and headed straight to the Thirty Cactus Bar, complete
with waterfalls, three whirlpools and even a waterslide for the kids – and apparently for many adults as
well.
"Ready for a cold beer?"
Sandy picked up the bar menu. "I don’t know. Check out some of these drinks. Fruity and tropical
sounds pretty good right about now."
Sandy ordered a Creamsicle made with ice cream, orange juice, vodka and whipped cream. "Dude, this
tastes exactly like a Creamsicle from the ice cream truck when you were a kid."
I settled on the black cherry daiquiri made with black cherry puree, fresh lime juice and rum.
After a drink and cool dip in the pool, we changed and headed to the Market Café for a quick dinner.
March 22, 2017 Page 9 of 16
Brandon, Kyler, Ryan and Luke, all in their early teens, had clearly been relegated to the "kids table"
next to us as their parents dined a few tables away. Based on their attire, they were here to watch
some baseball.
"Did you guys go to the game today?" I asked.
"No, we played today. We’re in a tournament for traveling teams. We’re from the O.C. That’s our coach
with our parents over there."
I looked over and realized the man they pointed out: 2004 American League Rookie of the Year, Orange
County native and Oakland A’s star Bobby Crosby. Lucky kids.
Sunday was wide open for us, and rather than catching another game – there were many to choose
from – we opted to check out the Narande Spa.
The spa "menu" was a bit overwhelming for two guys whose collective experience with spas consisted
of a cedar-lined hot box adjacent to a locker room in a gym.
The spa manager, Jennifer, offered some guidance. Rather than settling on the logical choice for two
dudes on a baseball trip, the Sports Massage (it was the most masculine-sounding item on the menu),
we decided to go all in.
Heeding Jennifer’s advice, we began with the couples massage, which, according the menu, was done
"alongside your friend or loved one." That’s cool. We’re friends. We can do that.
We toweled up and climbed on the adjacent tables. My masseuse, NaTisha, explained that her
technique was based in the Reiki method of massage that not only works the physical but the spiritual
and emotional needs. I’ve had a few massages over the years, but nothing compared to what I was
experiencing.
As she worked my back, NaTisha seemed to have a natural intuition that guided her to the spots in my
body where tension settled. Even to my jaw area.
I’m a notorious jaw clencher to the point of grinding my teeth at night (drives the wife crazy), and
somehow she was able to sense this.
Next up was the adobe clay body wrap for me and the seaweed body wrap for Sandy, topping it all off
with a Gentleman’s Facial. As I said, we were all in.
We completed our day of pampering with an afternoon at the pool and more delicious fruity
concoctions followed by a spectacular dinner on site at the Top of the Rock, which its website describes
as one of "the nation’s most romantic restaurants." I will testify that the food, wine, ambiance and
view are truly "bromantic," at least.
As we checked out on Monday morning, we vowed to bring our wives next year. Turns out the Marriott
Tempe at the Buttes is a perfect getaway for friends, families and baseball fans alike.
March 22, 2017 Page 10 of 16
Oh, I almost forgot. After checking out, we walked from the hotel down to Tempe Diablo Stadium and
watched another game.
The Dodgers beat the Angels 3-1, capping off a "manly man’s" weekend of spa pampering, fruity drinks
by the pool, a romantic dinner with wine and ... a little bit of baseball.
Angels Notes: Mike Scioscia impressed with Tyler Skaggs’ outing
By JEFF FLETCHER
TEMPE, Ariz. — A day after Tyler Skaggs’ minor league outing, Mike Scioscia raved about the stuff he
showed.
“He looked great,” Scioscia said Tuesday morning. “Being able to get up four times (for four innings) is
great, but especially doing it in 50 pitches. The quality of his pitches was terrific. That would translate
into a good outing against a major league team.”
Skaggs, who pitched four scoreless innings, is still behind the other starters because he missed start
with shoulder fatigue. He said he’s expecting to make his next start on Saturday, but he hasn’t heard
officially.
It’s still unclear if the Angels are going to juggle their rotation before opening day. Garrett Richards,
who was scheduled for minor league game on Tuesday, is still in line to pitch the third game of the
season, with Matt Shoemaker lined up for opening day. Skaggs would be in line for the second day,
which seems unlikely since he’s behind the other starters.
ALSO
Yunel Escobar, who had been out with a mild abdominal strain, was originally back in the lineup on
Tuesday, but then he was scratched shortly before game time. Scioscia said it was a precaution
because Escobar felt a little tight during pregame workouts...
Huston Street went back to Southern California on Monday’s off day to be re-evaluated. Scioscia said
nothing has changed. He still hasn’t been cleared to throw. Street, who is out with a lat strain, was
expected to resume throwing by the end of the month. He will start the season on the disabled list…
Vicente Campos has been playing catch after missing a couple weeks with a nerve issue, Scioscia said.
Scioscia said Campos is “going to take a little while” to be able to pitch again…
The Angels reached an agreement with StubHub to be their official ticket reseller. In past years, the
Angels were one of the few teams not affiliated with StubHub, instead using their own ticket exchange
for fans to resell their tickets...
Andrelton Simmons is expected to rejoin the Angels on Wednesday, and he may go right into the
lineup. Simmons was playing for the Netherlands, which was eliminated from the World Baseball
Classic on Monday night.
March 22, 2017 Page 11 of 16
Angels increase staffing, alter workouts in ‘proactive’ effort to reduce injuries
By JEFF FLETCHER
TEMPE, Ariz. – General Manager Billy Eppler said the changes the Angels made to their medical and
fitness departments were “proactive,” not “reactionary.”
Truth to be told, it’s a matter of semantics.
Last season, the Angels were burned by a spate of injuries, specifically to their pitchers. This season,
they have increased the staffing in the trainers room and changed the way their pitchers work out.
Although Eppler said the changes weren’t specifically spurred by what happened last year, the Angels
obviously are trying to prevent it from happening again.
The relationship of training techniques to injuries is undeniable, but also limited.
“Sometimes it’s connected and sometimes it’s not,” Matt Shoemaker said. “Sometimes things just
happen. But if something is going to make us stronger, and more importantly, make us better, we
should do it.”
The changes start with the sheer number of people who will be responsible for helping the players stay
healthy and strong. Last year, the Angels traveled with two athletic trainers, a physical therapist and a
strength and conditioning coach.
Physical therapist Bernard Li is now the director of sport science and performance, still working with
athletic trainers Adam Nevala and Rick Smith. Lee Fiocchi replaced strength and conditioning coach T.J.
Harrington. But now the Angels have a third athletic trainer, Eric Munson. They also hired Sean
Johnson, who doubles as a physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach.
Having more bodies will allow players to get more attention. It also can allow them to have a trainer
attend to injured players in Anaheim while the team is on the road, rather than shuttling them back
and forth from the team’s minor league complex in Arizona. It allows them to have one strength coach
on the field running with players while the other is in the weight room.
And Fiocchi also brings with him some new ideas that are specifically designed to help keep pitchers
healthy.
For decades, the standard post-game routine for pitchers involved ice, a cardio workout to flush lactic
acid from the muscles, and some lifting.
Fiocchi, though, finds it strange that with so much else in baseball evolving, that routine “hasn’t
changed in 30 years.” The 20-minute treadmill run or ride on a stationary bike seemed particularly
outdated to him.
March 22, 2017 Page 12 of 16
“If you run, where is the primary blood flow? Your legs,” he said. “What are we trying to recover? Your
arm.”
Fiocchi now has Angels pitchers doing exercises that specifically increase blood flow to the shoulder
and arm. They frequently use an arm bar, which is a weighted flexible bar that pitchers shake.
Fiocchi said blood flow is the key to recovery, with blood helping to clean out a joint that has been
stressed, flushing waste into the lymphatic system.
“It’s like a clogged toilet,” Fiocchi said. “We’re essentially plunging the toilet.”
Alex Meyer, who has dealt with shoulder trouble throughout his career, said after a recent post-start
workout: “It’s different, that’s for sure. It’s good. I’m liking it.”
Garrett Richards also said he has been feeling good doing the new routine. Richards, of course, is in the
medical spotlight as he pitches following stem-cell therapy to repair a damaged ulnar collateral
ligament. So far this spring Richards has shown no signs of the injury, in his stuff or how he’s felt.
“I tried (the new routine) once and I felt pretty good afterward,” he said. “I’m just going to continue to
do things that are going to benefit me.”
Although the changes are more aimed at keeping pitchers healthy than improving the performance,
Fiocchi insists those goals are one in the same.
“When you see teams win the World Series,” he said, “they have starters making 30 or 35 starts.”
Last year the Angels had only one starter take the ball 30 times, and they used a total of 15. The
injuries meant they had far too many games started by pitchers who were not their best.
And that’s what Fiocchi is trying to change.
“It’s not about working harder,” he said. “It’s about working smarter.”
FROM ANGELS.COM .
Ramirez making big push for starting rotation
By Maria Guardado / MLB.com
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- JC Ramirez didn't expect to still be starting for the Angels in the sixth week of Spring
Training. When the Halos told him they wanted to try him as a starter this spring, he figured they'd give
him two outings before moving him back to the bullpen.
March 22, 2017 Page 13 of 16
But on Tuesday, Ramirez took the mound and pitched five innings in a game for the first time since
2011, allowing one run on four hits and striking out six in the Angels' 9-1 win over the Reds at Goodyear
Ballpark.
"Everything was working," Ramirez said. "My sinker was down. My curveball was really nice. My slider
was almost good. I'm trying to keep myself in the fight for the spot."
Manager Mike Scioscia acknowledged afterward that Ramirez remains in contention for a spot in the
Angels' rotation, though he declined to reveal who else is still in the mix.
"We're not going to handicap this thing," Scioscia said. "You guys see who's there and who's throwing
the ball well. I think there's a number of guys that are going to have an opportunity to win a spot."
Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker and Ricky Nolasco appear to be locks for the Angels' starting rotation,
but it's unclear who will fill the other two spots. There's still some question as to whether Tyler Skaggs,
who missed a spring start with shoulder weakness, will be ready for the start of the season. Jesse
Chavez, Alex Meyer and Ramirez seem to be the other starter candidates for the Halos.
Ramirez has recorded a 4.86 ERA in five Cactus League appearances, but he delivered his strongest start
of the spring on Tuesday. His lone mistake was surrendering a solo home run to Ryan Raburn in the
fourth.
"I thought it was very impressive," Scioscia said. "What was impressive was not only the stuff -- the
explosive fastball, the breaking ball and slider -- but what we saw up to a higher pitch count. He's getting
to 70 pitches and maintaining his stuff."
Worth noting
• Third baseman Yunel Escobar was slated to return to the Angels' lineup on Tuesday, but he was
scratched with a lingering abdominal issue.
"We just took him out as a precaution because he was a little tight in his workout," Scioscia said. "He got
treatment, felt much better. We'll evaluate him in the morning."
• Richards allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out one over five innings in his Minor
League start against the Triple-A Brewers on Tuesday. He threw 71 pitches.
• Shortstop Andrelton Simmons is expected to return to Angels camp on Wednesday after representing
the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. The Netherlands was eliminated on Monday after falling
to Puerto Rico, 4-3, in a semifinal game at Dodger Stadium.
• Jahmai Jones, ranked the Angels' No. 1 prospect by MLBPipeline.com, made his Cactus League debut
on Tuesday, striking out once and playing three innings in center field. The 19-year-old outfielder batted
.302 over 64 games between Rookie-level Orem and Class A Burlington in 2016.
March 22, 2017 Page 14 of 16
"He's a talented kid," Scioscia said, "He's just starting to get on that Minor League grind to get to the big
leagues."
Angels rally, take advantage of Reds' miscues
By Austin Laymance and Maria Guardado / MLB.com | March 21st, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds starter Cody Reed pitched 5 2/3 shutout innings and Ryan Raburn homered,
but the Angels rallied with five unearned runs in the seventh inning to win Tuesday afternoon's Cactus
League matchup, 9-1, at Goodyear Ballpark.
Kole Calhoun ripped an RBI single and Nolan Fontana added a two-run double during the Angels'
outburst, which was aided by some defensive miscues from the Reds' reserves.
Raburn, in a competition for a bench role, broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a solo homer to
right field. Raburn took Angels starter JC Ramirez deep for his third homer of the spring.
Reed, one of seven Reds pitchers vying for three starting rotation spots, struck out five against two
walks in his best outing of the spring. The left-hander retired the final 10 batters he faced.
With four lefties in their lineup, the Angels struggled to get anything going offensively against Reed. Ben
Revere had the Halo's only hit against him, a two-out single in the second.
"I was pretty good," said Reed, who lowered his spring ERA to 3.24. "I had those two walks, that might
have been the worst part of it were the two walks. I felt good. There were a lot of lefties in that lineup,
so I like that. I think I had the advantage."
Ramirez, a contender for a rotation or bullpen spot, struck out six over five innings. It was his third start
and fifth appearance of the spring. Ramirez, who is making the transition from reliever to starter this
spring, said he had not thrown five innings in a game since 2011, when he was still starting in the
Minors.
The 28-year-old right-hander added that he has no preference in terms of what role the Angels decide
to give him this season.
"I really like to be in the bullpen because you come out in the seventh inning or ninth inning with
runners in scoring position and the adrenaline makes you be on top," Ramirez said. "[Starting] is
different, but I really like it. The only thing that's hard right now is facing those guys three or four times,
but they make me throw my best stuff. So that's what I like right now, competing against myself to
throw the best pitches each time."
Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart went 2-for-3 with a double, while Joey Votto, Zack Cozart and Desmond
Jennings each singled.
March 22, 2017 Page 15 of 16
Mike Trout walked and struck out twice. Danny Espinosa, the Angels' new second baseman, went 1-for-3
with a run. Jefry Marte scored and drove in a run. Eric Young Jr. added a solo homer in the ninth
off Louis Coleman.
Angels Up Next: The Angels will play a pair of split-squad games against the Rangers and the Mariners on
Wednesday. Alex Meyer is slated to start against Texas at Tempe Diablo Stadium, while Yusmeiro
Petit will face Seattle at Peoria Sports Complex. First pitch for both games is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. PT.
(MLB.TV)
Reds Up Next: Scott Feldman starts for the Reds against the visiting Cubs under the lights at Goodyear
Ballpark on Wednesday. It's Feldman's first outing since being named the Opening Day starter. First
pitch is scheduled for 9:05 E.T. on MLB.TV.
Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.
Street on track to resume throwing next week
By Maria Guardado / MLB.com
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels right-hander Huston Street visited Dr. Steve Yoon in Los Angeles on Monday and
said his strained right lat is healing as expected, keeping him on track to resume throwing at the end of
the month.
Street suffered the injury while making his Cactus League debut against the Brewers on March 3. His
original diagnosis called for three to four weeks of no throwing, and he said that timetable has not
changed.
"We did an ultrasound, and there's still a small defect in the muscle, which is consistent with the original
timeline of healing," Street said Tuesday. "It's been two weeks and four days. I'll probably wait until the
end of camp, go back out there and get checked out. But we're just waiting. They've got so many good
tools now that they can see when the tear in the muscle is completely gone, and that's pretty much
what he said. When the defect in the muscle is completely scarred over and healed up, that's when we
want to test it."
Street, 33, arrived to Spring Training as one of three contenders for the Angels' closer job, along with
fellow right-handers Cam Bedrosian and Andrew Bailey. He is now expected to open the season on the
disabled list and might not be ready to pitch for the Angels until late April, though he wouldn't provide a
time frame for his potential return.
"I missed Spring Training, so we have to recreate a version of that, but it could be after three innings,
four innings, where I feel absolutely ready to go," Street said. "This is not going to be one of those where
I'm going out there rolling the dice. I'm going to make sure that when I come back, I have the best
chance of not getting hurt and am performing well. I'm not saying I'm not going to rush it, but there
really isn't a way to rush this one. You have to build up innings, you have to have that Spring Training."
March 22, 2017 Page 16 of 16
Street, who logged a 6.45 ERA in 22 1/3 innings over an injury-marred 2016 campaign, is attempting to
rebound from the worst season of his career. He spent the offseason improving his conditioning at the
Angels' request and has said that he believes his fitness will help lead to a quicker recovery from the
back strain.
With Street hurt, Bedrosian has emerged as the favorite to open the season as the Angels' closer. The
25-year-old relief ace has not allowed a run over four innings this spring, with four strikeouts and one
walk. Bailey has recorded a 7.71 ERA over 4 2/3 Cactus League innings, but he yielded all four runs in a
rocky outing against the Cubs on March 6.
FROM SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL
StubHub Now Has Direct Integration With 29 Of 30 MLB Clubs After Signing New Angels Deal
By Eric Fisher / Staff Writer
StubHub has signed a multiyear agreement with the Angels, bringing the club back into the fold after a
separation lasting more than four years. The Angels previously opted out of MLBAM's league-level
StubHub renewal in late '12, instead working with Ticketmaster on both primary and secondary
ticketing. The new contract will allow season-ticket holders to manage their accounts with electronic
barcode reissuing in concert with StubHub. All tickets sold on the secondary platform will be delivered
as mobile tickets, and hard tickets for the Angels that are posted and sold on StubHub will be converted
to the mobile format. “We’ve taken as a company a more open approach toward sharing data, and I do
think that was a turning point in terms of working together again,” said StubHub Head of Partnerships &
Business Development Geoff Lester. The Angels deal follows a similar one last year reuniting StubHub
with the Yankees and brings the company to a direct integration with 29 of 30 MLB teams. The Red Sox,
which last year created its own Red Sox Replay resale marketplace with MLBAM and Tickets.com, are
the lone MLB team to not be integrated with StubHub. Financial terms of the Angels-StubHub deal were
not disclosed, but the agreement contains various triggers and options to extend the deal if MLBAM and
StubHub reach agreement on a third contract term for a league-level agreement. The current five-year
deal between MLBAM and StubHub, their second such term, expires after the ’17 season, and Lester
said there has been initial dialogue toward another extension. StubHub will also receive physical and
digital signage in Angel Stadium, including two permanent signs in the outfield scoreboard area,
rotational signage along each baseline and a rooftop sign facing California State Route 57. The Angels
remain with Ticketmaster for primary ticketing.
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