TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels starter Nick Tropeano got off to a rough start in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Indians, but was able to find his rhythm and finish his outing on a strong note.
Tropeano gave up a pair of homers -- one each to Jason Kipnis and Mike Napoli -- in the first inning as he struggled with command.
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"I think the first inning, my fastball was really running on me a little bit, especially on the home runs," Tropeano said.
But after some mechanical adjustments, the right-hander found his rhythm and retired seven of the next eight batters he faced.
"His changeup came into play, slider was good as game went on," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "[He] pitched a good four innings."
Tropeano struck out a pair and gave up three earned runs on four hits.
"I feel like my offspeed pitches were better this time out," Tropeano said. "Obviously that stems from fastball command. I feel I improved on that in the later innings, like I said. I just made that adjustment and went from there."
Tropeano has spent time in the Majors with the Astros in 2014 and last season with the Angels.
However, the 25-year-old right-hander has yet to receive an extended look at the big league level.
With C.J. Wilson and Tyler Skaggs both slated to begin the year on the DL and Jered Weaver battling neck tightness, Tropeano has a chance to start the 2016 campaign as the Angels' fifth starter, a role he's capable of filling.
In eight games -- seven starts -- a season ago, Tropeano went 3-2 and posted a 3.82 ERA.