Angels Spring Training FAQs, dates to know
ANAHEIM -- Angels pitchers and catchers reported to Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, with the first workouts for pitchers and catchers set for Wednesday.
Angels general manager Billy Eppler and new manager Joe Maddon both said they’re confident with the roster, even after their reported trade with the Dodgers fell through, leaving them without outfielder Joc Pederson and right-hander Ross Stripling. But they still made several key additions this offseason, signing third baseman Anthony Rendon to a seven-year deal worth $245 million and also made improvements to their rotation, trading for pitchers Dylan Bundy and Julio Teheran. They also signed veteran catcher Jason Castro to a one-year deal in an attempt to help the pitching staff, which will now be under the direction of new pitching coach Mickey Callaway.
“We’re happy with the moves that we were able to make,” Eppler said. “Clearly the notable headliner was grabbing Anthony Rendon. I think at the moment that I was proud of our ability from ownership to president to baseball operations to pivot that quickly. I don’t think it was any secret we were pursuing a notable starting pitcher. We weren’t able to secure that deal. I was proud of our ability to pivot. We did chase some front-end starting pitching. That didn’t manifest, but we looked at how we were able to improve our club overall.”
Maddon said he’s excited for the competition that comes with Spring Training, especially now that there’s expected to be a battle for the final rotation spot and more of a competition in right between Brian Goodwin and top prospect Jo Adell.
“Maybe this was the best thing that could've happened to us,” Maddon said of the trade not happening. “Giving these guys opportunities is going to be really important.”
Pitchers and catchers report date
Tuesday, Feb. 11
First pitchers and catchers workout date
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Full squad report date
Sunday, Feb. 16
First full-squad workout
Monday, Feb. 17
New faces to know
3B Anthony Rendon, RHP Dylan Bundy, RHP Julio Teheran, RHP Matt Andriese, C Jason Castro
Top prospects to know
OF Jo Adell (No. 6 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline), OF Brandon Marsh (No. 79)
Where is the facility?
Tempe Diablo Stadium: 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe, Ariz. 85282
Can fans attend workouts?
Yes. Early workouts are open to the public on the lower fields. Practice usually begins around 9:30 a.m. PT.
First game
Feb. 22 (split squad) vs. Royals and at White Sox. The home game starts at 12:05 p.m. PT and the road game begins at 12:10 p.m. PT.
First TV game
Feb. 22 vs. Royals, FOX Sports West
Other notable game
Feb. 26 at Dodgers
Last game in Arizona
March 20 vs. Dodgers. It’s the Dodgers’ lone game at Tempe Diablo Stadium this spring.
Any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
March 22 vs. Dodgers at Angel Stadium, March 23 and 24 vs. Dodgers at Dodger Stadium
Opening Day date, time, opponent and location
March 26, 4:10 p.m. vs. Astros at Minute Maid Park