Here's how Angels set their Opening Day roster
ANAHEIM -- The Angels officially announced their Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their regular-season opener against the Astros at Angel Stadium.
Notably, the club will open the year with 16 pitchers, including 10 relievers. Manager Joe Maddon indicated the Angels were debating whether to keep an extra reliever on the roster and eventually opted for an extra arm because of the shortened Spring Training. Outfielder Taylor Ward will also open the year on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain suffered Tuesday, opening up a spot for Jose Rojas to make the club.
Here's a look at how the 28-man roster shapes up for the Angels:
Catcher (2): Max Stassi, Kurt Suzuki
Stassi signed a three-year extension worth $17.5 million this spring and is set to be the club’s long-term solution at catcher. Suzuki was signed to a one-year, $1.75 million deal to be the backup catcher. Matt Thaiss and Austin Romine add depth at Triple-A. Romine remains in camp, but Thaiss was optioned Wednesday.
First base (1): Jared Walsh
Walsh is coming off an All-Star season and has solidified himself as the club’s everyday first baseman. But he could sit against tough left-handers and the Angels could use Matt Duffy or Rojas as his backup.
Second base (1): Matt Duffy, Tyler Wade
Duffy was signed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million on March 16 and will platoon at second base. The left-handed-hitting Wade will serve as a platoon partner with Duffy, although Duffy has reverse splits and hits right-handers better than lefties. Jack Mayfield will also see time at second base.
Third base (1): Anthony Rendon
Rendon was plagued by various injuries last year, including undergoing season-ending hip surgery. But he’s healthy now and ready to prove he’s still one of the best third basemen in baseball.
Shortstop (1): David Fletcher
Fletcher was announced as the starting shortstop. The Angels believe Fletcher is an above-average defender at short and will use him heavily in shifts.
Outfield (3): Mike Trout, Brandon Marsh, Jo Adell
The Angels surprisingly designated veteran outfielder Justin Upton for assignment despite his being owed $28 million this season. The Angels will now count on youngers in Marsh and Adell around Trout in center. Rojas and Wade will also see action in the outfield.
Utility/bench (2): Jose Rojas, Jack Mayfield
Mayfield and Rojas give the Angels some versatility, as Mayfield can play both second and shortstop, while Rojas can play both corner-infield spots and could see some action in the outfield.
Starting rotation (6): Shohei Ohtani, Patrick Sandoval, Noah Syndergaard, José Suarez, Michael Lorenzen, Reid Detmers
Ohtani will start on Opening Day as both the starting pitcher and designated hitter. He’ll be followed in the rotation by Sandoval, Syndergaard, Suarez, Lorenzen and Detmers.
Bullpen (10): Raisel Iglesias, Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera, Archie Bradley, Mike Mayers, Austin Warren, Jimmy Herget, José Quijada, Oliver Ortega, Jaime Barría
Iglesias, Loup, Tepera, Bradley, Mayers, Warren, Barría and Quijada were all considered locks. Herget and Ortega were the final two relievers to make the roster. Brian Moran and Kyle Barraclough had strong springs but aren’t on the 40-man roster.