MLB Playoffs 2017: 5 reasons Los Angels Angels make it

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 04: Manager Mike Scioscia #14 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signals the bullpen to make a pitching change against the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on September 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. Mike Scioscia’s bullpen mastery

Say what you will about expanded September rosters and the way they change the fundamental ways in which baseball is played, but there’s no denying that Angels manager Mike Scioscia knows how to work within the flawed system. The optics of a manager wearing out a path to the mound followed by a steady stream of new relievers is ugly, but it works.

Consider the Angels 7-6 win over the Texas Rangers last Friday as a prime example of Scioscia’s mastery of the September roster. The Angels trotted out Bud Norris to start. Remember that Norris has been the team’s closer for most of this season and had not started a game all year. He threw two innings and was gone after 21 pitches. All told, six more Angels pitchers got in the game after Norris exited.

The Angels also used six pitchers in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Rangers. Without a dominant rotation or a true ace, Scioscia has been more than happy to have his starter go five innings before giving way to the bullpen where he is able to use his depth to exploit matchups. Changes to the way Major League Baseball handles expanded rosters will eventually come down from the league offices, but for now, smart managers like Scioscia will exploit their 12-man bullpens to their advantage. That could mean a playoff berth this year.

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