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Posted at 10:30 PM EST. 

We’re definitely interested in fading the Angels when they’re priced in this range because their offense is so anemic. L.A. ranks last in the AL in several offensive categories, which includes team BA (.233) and on base percentage (.289). Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia is using several different lineups in a desperate attempt to play anyone who shows an offensive pulse. Now this struggling offense will face a pitcher they’ve never seen in Buck Farmer. Farmer will slide into the injured Kyle Lobstein’s rotation spot for at least one start and probably more. A fifth-round pick out of Georgia Tech in ’13, Farmer ascended quickly to the majors by striking out more than a batter per inning with above-average control. The results weren’t as favorable during his nine innings with Detroit (11.57 ERA) last year, but he has bounced back nicely, showing even more advanced control during some excellent starts for Toledo. Farmer repeats his mechanics well and can locate each of his three pitches (fastball, slider, change-up) with consistency. He throws with long arm action and lacks much deception, but can utilize his 6’4" height and ¾ arm slot to generate nice sinking action on his pitches. While lacking elite upside, Farmer has proven to be durable with consistent results, and will slot in nicely as a spot starter or replacement starter for now. Since 2013, Farmer has thrown 206.1 minor league innings and posted a 3.05 ERA with 9.3 K’s/9. This year at Toledo, Farmer has posted a 2.98 ERA over 51.1 frames with an oppBA of .237 and surrendering just one jack.

C. J. Wilson suffered an ankle injury in the second half of last year and was never the same afterwards. He has shown a slight rebound this season but there’s nothing extraordinary about any of his skills. Wilson’s fastball tops off at 89.9 MPH. He has a BB/K split of 16/42 in 59 innings. Current Tigers have 125 plate appearances against Wilson and have 38 hits for a combined average of .281. Wilson has more smarts than skills, which definitely counts for something. He studies hitters like nobody’s business but no matter how you break it down, he’s an average pitcher with weak offensive support behind him. Backing a recent call-up (Farmer) making his first start of the year at this level carries some risk but so does backing a team that can’t hit with a starter that is at the tail end of his career and is very average to begin with. Throw in the tag in this 50/50 proposition and we trust we’re going with the best of it.

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