Los Angeles Angels 1st Team to Clinch Playoff Spot

Just about two months ago, on August 20th, making the playoffs was in doubt. On that day the Angels held a 1.5 game lead of the A's with a record of 75-50 (.600). Doesn't sound like a team in trouble, but on July 31st starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs was lost to a season ending injury and on that day, August 20th, #1 starter Garrett Richards also was lost for the season. On the 21st many sportscasters were questioning whether the Angels could hold off the A's for the division crown and some even questioned if they had the ability to hold on to a Wild Card spot.

Yesterday, with 8-1 win over division rival Seattle Mariners, the Angels clinched a playoff spot. Angels improved their record to 94-56 (.627) and it was the A's that folded. Angels hold a 10.5 game lead on the A's who only have a 2 game lead on the Mariners for the 2nd Wild Card spot. Angels also hold a 4 game lead over the Orioles for the best record in the league.

But all is not well in Anaheim. Richards was the staff ace sporting a 13-4 record and 2.61 ERA when he went down. The offense has been great, but in the playoffs you're likely to face the opposing teams 1-2 starters twice in a 7 game series. Richards and Jared Weaver would have made a nice 1-2 counter for the Angels. Rookie Matt Shoemaker has helped save the Angels so far going 16-4 with a 3.04 ERA. Shoemaker was called up for several spot starts early in the season, but got a permanent starting gig when Skaggs went down. Yesterday, Shoemaker suffered a mild oblique strain in the 8-1 win over Seattle. He will miss his next start, but hopefully he'll be 100% when the playoffs start.

With the playoffs guaranteed and a likely #1 seed, the question now is whether the Angels can get to and win the World Series without their Ace Garrett Richards.