An 18-9 September run that pushed the Angels into playoff contention was aided in part by a late-game defensive package that often featured Efren Navarro at first base, Taylor Featherston at second, Kaleb Cowart at third and Collin Cowgill in left field.
While those players helped the Angels win 10 of their last 11 one-run games, their use came at a cost. If leads weren’t held and games went into extra innings, the Angels would lose the considerably stronger bats of the players they replaced — C.J. Cron, Johnny Giavotella, David Freese and David Murphy.
Manager Mike Scioscia’s strategy could be put to the test with the Angels closing the regular season with four huge games against the Texas Rangers in Globe Life Park, one of baseball’s most hitter-friendly stadiums.