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About Andy Patton
Former Zag. Detroit Tigers fanatic who used to work for the Mariners (I know) and lives in the PNW. Use fantasy baseball to bond with my dad, which will continue to work as long as I always finish before him.
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Andy Patton has written 541 articles so far, you can find them below.
Nick Tropeano Dominant In Return
Los Angeles Angels starter Nick Tropeano had an outstanding first appearance of the season, tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out six. Tropeano has not pitched since August of 2016, having undergone Tommy John surgery. He pitched well in the spring, however, and looks like he might get a chance to stick in LA's... Read More
Ian Kinsler Activated From the DL
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler (groin) has been activated from the disabled list and is starting on Thursday. He is leading off and playing second base. Kinsler has only played in one game so far this season, but is back and ready to resume his spot atop the Angels loaded lineup. He is... Read More
Shohei Ohtani Wants to Play More
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani wants to play more. So far, Ohtani has started two games on the mound and been the designated hitter five times through the team's first 13 games. While manager Mike Scioscia has repeatedly said the team will err on the side of caution with Ohtani,... Read More
Keynan Middleton Picks up Another Save
Los Angeles Angels reliever Keynan Middleton picked up a five-out save on Wednesday, his second of the year. Middleton entered with one out in the eighth inning and the tying run on deck, which is how he earned a save in a 7-2 victory. Middleton escaped the damage with a 99 mph fastball to strike... Read More
Nick Tropeano to Start for Angels Thursday
Los Angeles Angels starter Nick Tropeano will make his season debut on Thursday. It will be Tropeano's first big league appearance since August of 2016, when he tore his UCL and opted for Tommy John surgery. Tropeano made 13 starts in 2016 with a 3.55 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings. He should... Read More
Jaime Barria Picks up Win, Optioned Back to Triple-A
Los Angeles Angels starter Jaime Barria did well in his one-game cameo. He tossed five innings and gave up one run while walking three and striking out three. It was a solid appearance for the 21-year-old flame-thrower, but his run with the team is already over for now. Don't be surprised to see him get... Read More
Matt Shoemaker Has No Nerve Irritation
The Los Angeles Angels have released a medical update on right-handed pitcher Matt Shoemaker. The report states that the study performed earlier this week produced no findings of nerve irritation. As such, Shoemaker will undergo a follow-up exam in a few weeks and will be treated accordingly. So while this is good news overall, Shoemaker... Read More
Ian Kinsler to be Activated Thursday
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler (groin) did well in his final test on Wednesday and should be cleared to be back in the starting lineup on Thursday. Kinsler is expected to return to his normal leadoff spot, sliding Zack Cozart down to the middle of the lineup and back to third base. Fantasy... Read More
Shohei Ohtani in Wednesday's Lineup Against Left-Hander
As expected, Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is in the lineup on Wednesday, batting eighth. It was looking like Ohtani was only going to start against right-handed pitching after struggling against left-handers in spring training. However, manager Mike Scioscia acknowledged that Ohtani had nearly equal splits in Japan and appears comfortable rolling with him... Read More
Michael Roberts Could Emerge as Lions Top TE
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts has an opportunity to be Detroit's top tight end next season. After releasing Eric Ebron, the Lions have added a pair of veterans in Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo. However, Roberts is likely going to get the chance to handle the majority of pass-catching opportunities. Roberts had four catches... Read More
Lions Sign Matt Cassel
The Detroit Lions have signed veteran free-agent quarterback Matt Cassel to a one-year contract. Cassel will come in and compete with Jake Rudock to back up Matthew Stafford. Cassel will not hold any fantasy value unless there is a regular season injury to Stafford. Even then, he would barely be playable, even in two-QB leagues.
Lions to Adopt Running-Back-By-Committee Approach
The Detroit Lions have announced they are planning to use a running-back-by-committee approach next season. That will severely limit the fantasy values of each running back in Detroit. LeGarrette Blount, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick and whatever potential running back they draft will be an unpredictable and borderline unplayable fantasy asset next season. Draft accordingly.
Tyler Skaggs Labors Through Five Innings
Los Angeles Angels starter Tyler Skaggs was effectively awful in Tuesday's start. Although he only surrendered one run on five hits, he needed 114 pitches to get through five innings. He struck out seven but walked four. Skaggs is now 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA and a 9.56 K/9. He is worth looking at as... Read More
Mike Trout Blasts Fourth Home Run
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout hit his fourth home run of the season in Tuesday's 11-1 win over the Rangers. After an ugly start to the season, Trout is back and looking like the superstar that he is. Not that you should have been worried, but it's nice to take a deep breath and... Read More
Shohei Ohtani Set to DH Wednesday
After getting benched against a left-hander on Tuesday, Los Angeles Angels designated hitter/starter Shohei Ohtani will DH on Wednesday against left-hander Matt Moore, according to manager Mike Scioscia. Ohtani struggled against left-handed pitching in spring training, but allegedly had nearly even splits in Japan. Ohtani has been told he will not hit on days he... Read More
Cam Bedrosian's Velocity Drop a Concern
Los Angeles Angels reliever Cam Bedrosian conceded that something is wrong, leading to his decrease in velocity. “I feel fine physically,” Bedrosian said Tuesday. “My velocity is still not exactly where I want it to be. I think it may be mechanical. We’re working on a couple things right now.” Bedrosian sits around 93 mph... Read More
Ian Kinsler Expected Back Thursday
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler (groin) expects to be activated on Thursday from the disabled list. Kinsler was eligible to be activated on Tuesday, but will get a couple extra days of rest. He is expected to return to his role leading off and playing second base, with Zack Cozart sliding back over... Read More
Kole Calhoun Out of Lineup on Tuesday
Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun is out of the lineup on Tuesday against left-hander Martin Perez. Calhoun often sits against left-handers, even though his .717 OPS against southpaws is adequate. Perhaps Calhoun's .217 (10-for-46) start to the season is the culprit, with manager Mike Scioscia giving him a day to clear his head.... Read More
Shohei Ohtani Not in the Lineup Against Left-Hander
Los Angeles Angels starter/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is out of the lineup on Tuesday against Rangers left-hander Martin Perez. Ohtani is not expected to hit on days directly before or after he pitches, however, Tuesday's game does not fit that mold. It seems like manager Mike Scioscia is shielding Ohtani against left-handers, whom he struggled... Read More
Ian Kinsler Still Not in Lineup
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler (groin) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers. It was reported that Kinsler was ready to go, but that he was unsure if he would be activated on Tuesday. That appears to be the case, as Zack Cozart will hit leadoff and play second... Read More
Garrett Richards Walks Five
Los Angeles Angels starter Garrett Richards labored through 4 1/3 innings on Monday, only surrendering one run but walking five and giving up four hits. He struck out six. Richards needed 94 pitches before getting pulled with one out in the fifth inning. Richards has only given up three runs in his last two starts,... Read More
Albert Pujols Blasts Home Run in Win
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols hit his second home run of the year on Monday in LA's 8-3 victory over the Rangers. Pujols finished the game 2-for-5 and is now hitting .277 on the year. It's too early to claim that Pujols is back completely, but it's nice to see a healthy Albert... Read More
Ian Kinsler Unsure When He Will Be Activated
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler (groin) says he feels ready to play but is unsure if he will be activated from the disabled list when he is first eligible on Tuesday. This contradicts a previous report that said he would for sure be activated. Keep an eye on this situation if you are... Read More
Andrew Heaney Nearing Return
Los Angeles Angels starter Andrew Heaney (elbow) indicated that he is ready to pitch. The Angels have openings on both Thursday and Friday of this week, and Heaney will likely take one of those two spots. Heaney looked very solid in a rehab start at Single-A, so it is no surprise that he is nearing... Read More
Tommy John Surgery Recommended for JC Ramirez
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher JC Ramirez has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right elbow. Tommy John surgery has been recommended. This is a big blow for an Angels team that has already seen Matt Shoemaker and Andrew Heaney go to the disabled list. Jaime Barria will start on Wednesday, and Parker... Read More
Angels Will Recall Jaime Barria For Wednesday's Start
The Los Angeles Angels will recall starting pitcher Jaime Barria to make his major league debut on Wednesday. The 21-year-old Barria has only thrown 16 2/3 innings at Triple-A in his career, sporting a 2.70 ERA and 8.1 K/9. Barria is an intriguing prospect, but is not someone who needs to be picked up right... Read More
Lions Re-Sign T.J. Jones
The Detroit Lions have re-signed restricted free-agent wide receiver T.J. Jones. Jones played in 14 games for the Lions in 2017. He finished last season with a career-high 30 receptions, 399 receiving yards and one touchdown. Jones has recorded 45 career receptions, 624 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 27 career games. He is pretty... Read More
Shohei Ohtani Not in Monday's Lineup
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Texas Rangers. The tentative plan for Ohtani is to not have him hit the day before or after he pitches, so it is no surprise that he is not in Monday's lineup. Ohtani has already... Read More
Ryan Schimpf Draws Another Start
Los Angeles Angels utility player Ryan Schimpf will draw his second consecutive start, this time batting ninth and playing left field. One day after drawing two walks and homering, Schimpf gets a start in left while Justin Upton serves as the designated hitter. It's hard to envision a non-injury situation where Schimpf becomes an everyday... Read More
Matt Shoemaker to DL With Forearm Strain
Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Matt Shoemaker (forearm) has been placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to April 1. Shoemaker has been diagnosed with a right forearm strain. For now, very little is known as to how long he will be out. In his stead the team recalled Parker Bridwell. Bridwell was thought to... Read More
