Series Preview: Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels

Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2: Dallas Keuchel (0.00, 0.00 ERA) vs. Tyler Skaggs (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Tyler Skaggs was once viewed as a top prospect in baseball circles, but a decreasing velocity has seen his stock drop tremendously, and he now finds himself as the No. 5 starter for the Angels.

Skaggs was part of the trade that saw Mark Trumbo head to the Arizona Diamondbacks over the winter, and will look to bounce back to the form that made him a highly regarded prospect.

In 13 career starts (six in 2012, seven in 2013) and 68 innings, Skaggs has posted a 5.43 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, given up 13 home runs, and only struck out 57 batters. That’s not a line that is going to blow people out of the water, and explains why he finds himself firmly planted at the back end of the rotation.

Dallas Keuchel is still young, but there are plenty of reasons why  he will be fighting for his job for the entire season. Over the 48 games he has played in since 2012, opposing batters have slashed .293/.357/.459 (BA/OBP/SLG) against him. All while pitching to a 5.20 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.

It’s almost appropriate that these two pitchers face-off against each other, considering they seem to be in very similar positions. I think Skaggs has a longer leash than Keuchel because the Angels’ farm system is experiencing a Texas-like drought of talent, and doesn’t look like it’s going to be experiencing a downpour of talent anytime soon.