ANAHEIM -- It’s no secret that the last two weeks have been incredibly difficult for the Angels, who have lost 13 of their last 15 games.
General manager Perry Minasian spoke with reporters for the first time in more than a month before Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Mets and remained optimistic despite the club’s recent struggles. The starting pitching has more than held its own even during this rough patch while the offense has gone hot and cold and the bullpen has been a major issue.
With that in mind, here are five observations on the Angels (13-23) as they try to get things back on track:
Neto could use a break
Shortstop Zach Neto led the Angels in Wins Above Replacement in each of the last two seasons but has been scuffling at the plate, recently mired in an 0-for-22 funk with 13 strikeouts over that stretch.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said he’s considered giving Neto a day off but values his defense and believes he can impact the game even when he’s not hitting.
Neto also prides himself on being in the lineup every day, which also makes it more difficult to give him a breather. But even if it’s just one day like Wednesday’s day game ahead of an off-day, it would make sense to give him a mental reset.
Lowe needs to get it going
Left fielder Josh Lowe has struggled offensively this season, hitting .154/.204/.297 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 32 games. Suzuki said Monday that he still likes the way Lowe has been swinging the bat despite his lack of production and that’ll he’s expected to get more run in left field.
But at some point, the Angels should consider using a combination of the left-handed-hitting Adam Frazier and right-handed hitting Bryce Teodosio in left field. Lowe, acquired in a three-way trade with the Rays in the offseason, still has a Minor League option remaining so he could be sent to Triple-A Salt Lake if he can’t get on track in the Majors.
