Los Angeles Angels Reid Detmers Returning vs. Dodgers, 6-Man Rotation? Eppler Guys vs. Minasian Guys

Angels to face Dodgers in Freeway Series Opener

Detmers Returns to Face Dodgers, Minasian Considers 6-Man Rotation

The Los Angeles Angels will look to improve upon their dismal 2022 season as they take on the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in the Freeway Series opener on Friday, March 31st.

The Angels have been a major disappointment in recent years, finishing with a league worst 73-89 record in 2022. They have not made the playoffs since 2014, which is the longest active playoff drought in the American League.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, are coming off of an impressive 2022 season in which they won 111 games and captured the National League West division title. They lost to the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.

Detmers Making Second Career Start vs. Dodgers

The Angels will send left-hander Reid Detmers to the mound in the series opener against the Dodgers. Detmers made his Major League debut last season and appeared in 25 games, making 23 starts.

Detmers finished with a 4-6 record and a 5.01 ERA in his rookie campaign. He had a solid spring training with the Angels, posting a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings pitched.

This will be Detmers' second career start against the Dodgers. In his first start against Los Angeles, which came in 2021, Detmers allowed two runs on five hits over four innings pitched.

Minasian Mulling over 6-Man Rotation

The Angels enter the 2023 season with a solid starting rotation led by Shohei Ohtani, Patrick Sandoval, and Detmers.

However, the Angels may be considering adding a sixth starter to their rotation. According to Angels general manager Perry Minasian, the team is "looking at different options" and "keeping all of our options open."

There are several pros and cons to a six-man rotation. On the one hand, it can help to reduce the workload on each individual starter, which can lead to better performance over the course of the season.