Matt Shoemaker could start in ALDS for Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker has been sidelined since September 16 with a strained left oblique, but he threw a bullpen session on Sunday and could return for the American League Divisional Series:

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Shoemaker threw between 30 and 40 pitches at full-game intensity, and admitted to having some tightness but with the Angels short-handed in the rotation, Shoemaker could return to start Game Three of the ALDS on October 5, when the Angels will travel to face the winner of the American League Wild Card game, either the Kansas City Royals or the Oakland Athletics.

Shoemaker is a 28-year old rookie, but has impressed in his 20 starts for the Angels, posting a 3.04 ERA in 136 innings pitched. Shoemaker has been worth 2.1 fWAR this year, and the right-hander has struck out 128 batters this season.

The Halos lost their top pitcher, Garrett Richards, in August to a knee injury, and will start Jared Weaver in Game One of the ALDS. Veteran left-hander C.J. Wilson will get the ball in Game Two, meaning Shoemaker could follow for the third game.

The Angels might be forced to use a three-man rotation, which isn’t unheard of in playoff baseball, but doesn’t provide LA with many options.

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