Angels Spring Training FAQ, important dates

Angels pitchers and catchers reported on Tuesday and held their first official workouts at the club’s Spring Training complex in Tempe, Ariz., on Wednesday.

The Angels are led by stars such as Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon and Shohei Ohtani, but the club is searching for its first postseason berth since 2014. New general manager Perry Minasian made several moves in an attempt to strengthen the club this offseason, although none of the major acquisitions are under contract beyond this season. It’ll be worth monitoring how this veteran core meshes with manager Joe Maddon, who has emphasized clubhouse culture.

? Spring Training information | Spring Training schedule

There are plenty of questions about the Angels this spring, so here’s a Spring Training FAQ:

Given the pandemic, how is Spring Training going to be different this year?
The Angels are not working out on their main fields this spring, as they’re instead using their Minor League facilities at their Spring Training complex. They’re also using the two clubhouses that are usually reserved for those not in big league camp. It gives the Angels players more space to do their workouts but the downside is that fans are not allowed to attend the workouts this season. Only those in Tier 1 and Tier 2, who are tested daily at the site, are allowed to watch the workouts, which means reporters aren’t allowed either. All media interviews with players will be conducted via Zoom. Once Cactus League play begins, the Angels will operate Tempe Diablo Stadium at 25 percent capacity, which will allow approximately 1,800 to 2,000 fans per game.

What are the key roster/position battles to watch?
On the position player side, the Angels are mostly set for their starters, although it’ll be worth monitoring first base, where Jared Walsh and Albert Pujols are expected to split time. Dexter Fowler is the favorite in right field after he was acquired in a Feb. 4 trade with the Cardinals, which means Jo Adell and Halos top prospect Brandon Marsh are expected to start the season in the Minors.

There are backup jobs available in the infield and the outfield. Franklin Barreto, Luis Rengifo and Robel García are on the 40-man roster and will compete for utility roles against non-roster invitees Phil Gosselin and Kean Wong. In the outfield, Taylor Ward will compete for the fourth outfielder role against non-roster signings Juan Lagares and Jon Jay.

The rotation is also likely set with Dylan Bundy, Andrew Heaney, Griffin Canning, José Quintana and Alex Cobb, joining two-way star Shohei Ohtani. It’s still unclear exactly how the Angels will utilize Ohtani but he’s healthy and has been cleared to pitch and hit. But the bullpen will have several spots open after they non-tendered five relievers in the offseason. Closer Raisel Iglesias, Ty Buttrey, Mike Mayers, Felix Pe?a, Alex Claudio and Jaime Barria are essentially locks, but it's an open competition after that. One Minor League signing to watch is right-hander Junior Guerra but he’ll be late to camp due to visa issues.

When is the first Spring Training game?
The Angels play their first Cactus League game at 12:10 p.m. PT on Feb. 28 against the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Their first home game is at 12:10 p.m. PT on March 1 against the White Sox at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

How can I watch/listen/follow Spring Training games?
The Angels have not announced their television and radio schedule for Spring Training, but most games are expected to air live on FOX Sports West. KLAA AM830 is the club's radio partner. Fans can also watch or listen via MLB.tv or follow along with MLB Gameday.

Who are some prospects to keep an eye on in camp?
Marsh, the No. 53 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline, is always worth monitoring, and it’ll be exciting to see him get at-bats against high-quality arms. Other top prospects in Major League camp include starting pitchers Reid Detmers (the Angels' No. 2 prospect) and Chris Rodriguez (No. 6), outfielder Jordyn Adams (No. 3) and infielder Jeremiah Jackson (No. 4).

What’s the story with Ohtani, and how will he be utilized this season?
After serving only as a designated hitter in 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Ohtani returned to two-way status in 2020. But with the delayed start to the season and a quick ramp up, Ohtani struggled on the mound in two starts before being shut down with a right elbow/forearm strain. It also seemed to affect his confidence at the plate. But Ohtani is fully healthy now, and the Angels plan to be aggressive with him. Los Angeles has yet to announce exactly how he’ll be used this season and how often he’ll pitch. But if Ohtani can stay healthy, expect to see him plenty, both on the mound and at the plate.

When is Opening Day and who is the opponent?
The Angels open the regular season against the White Sox at 7:05 p.m. PT on April 1 at Angel Stadium. They open with a six-game homestand against Chicago and the Astros before heading to Toronto on March 8 for their first road series.

Is the team planning to sell tickets to regular-season games?
The Halos have yet to announce a regular-season ticket policy for the 2021 season.