TEMPE, Ariz. – Once again, the Angels may be without a lefty specialist in their bullpen.
Last season, Cesar Ramos was sometimes used a specialist – facing just one or two left-handed hitters in an appearance -- but he was regularly used for longer stints or in mop up duty. The Angels had hoped Sean Burnett could become that pitcher, but he missed virtually his entire two-year Angels career on the disabled list.
Scott Downs, who was traded in 2013, was the last pitcher the Angels used regularly in that way.
As Mike Scioscia looks at his bullpen candidates early in spring training, he is preparing himself to again be without that weapon.