ANAHEIM -- In a week filled with unexpected roster moves, some strong offense and home series against both of the 2020 World Series participants, this last week for the Angels was eventful.\n\nThe Halos wrapped up the seven-game homestand with a 2-1 win against the Dodgers on Sunday at Angel Stadium thanks in part to a strong performance by the bullpen, giving the Angels a Freeway Series victory against their intrastate rivals.\n\n• Box score\n\nHere are three takeaways from the Angels’ strong finish to their homestand.\n\n**Walsh steps into role as future cornerstone** \nAfter news broke of Albert Pujols getting designated for assignment on Thursday, Angels general manager Perry Minasian said the club was looking at
**Halos pitching staff has its highs and lows** \nAfter getting swept in a four-game series by the Rays to start the homestand, the Angels responded by taking two of three games against the Dodgers, aided by quality pitching that allowed three runs combined in the two wins.\n\nWhile the distance wasn’t there for José Quintana, who lasted four-plus innings and limited the Dodgers to one run while notching six strikeouts, the bullpen had his back.\n\nAngels relievers shouldered the load in the win, combining to shut out the Dodgers for five innings while allowing four hits and four walks before they hit the road to play the Astros on Monday.
\n\n“We have to pitch well to win,” Maddon said. “So if we pitch well tomorrow, we have a chance to maintain momentum. And if we don't, it's going to be difficult.”\n\nMike Mayers and closer Raisel Iglesias, who earned the save, finished off the performance after both had rocky outings against Tampa Bay to start the week.\n\nMayers gave up four runs in one-third of an inning on Thursday, but he bounced back by striking out the side in the eighth on Sunday. After a one-inning, two-run outing on Tuesday, Iglesias shut the door on the Dodgers.\n\n“It's all there,” Maddon said. “We just have to get their confidence built up. Keep continuing to try to put them out there at the right time, but we definitely need more length out of our starters.”
Unsung heroes stepping up
With third baseman Anthony Rendon and left fielder Justin Upton missing time this week due to injury, it was the Angels’ role players who stepped up in the final weekend against the Dodgers, both at the plate and on defense.\n \nSecond baseman Jose Rojas and right fielder Taylor Ward drove in a combined five runs on Saturday. \n \nDespite the two going hitless on Sunday, Maddon said both have been consistent in getting quality at-bats and played solid defense. The defensive showing included a key inning-ending double play to keep the Dodgers off the scoreboard.\n \nMaddon added that the contribution of the Angels’ depth players has emphasized his “play like it’s 1985” motto that focuses on fundamentals.\n \n“I like the mix right now,” Maddon said. “I like the energy right now. We need to pitch consistently and just play this aggressive sort of game -- that 1985 game -- on the field.”