A helping of big-league Pikachu

Neto and Angels attribute some fun wins to Pokémon figure in dugout

- LIANA HANDLER

WILLIAM LIANG Associated Press AROLDIS CHAPMAN got his 1.364th strikeout to set the MLB career mark for most strikeouts by a reliever.

If you've been watching the Angels' broadcast or have a keen eye from the stadium seats, you might notice the newest addition to the Halos.

He looms on the dugout wall, monitoring each play, sometimes hiding under a blanket or turned away. He's faithful and quiet, never drawing the ire of umpires.

The Pikachu - in all his tiny, yellow, bulbous glory sitting next to the cameras is part of the reason the Angels have won some games lately.

At least that's what shortstop Zach Neto attributes it to.

"I could just go out there with a free mind and not have to think about too much, and just kind of play my game and have fun, and I think that's what it's all about," Neto said. "And the Pikachu brings a little distraction, but it brings a little fun out of me." Some of the other Angels have adopted Pikachu as an unofficial team mascot and last week during the Angels' series against the Mariners in Seattle, the team visited Pokémon's North American headquarters.

The Angels' lucky Pikachu might not be a trade target going into the deadline. Though maybe he should be. Ever since Pikachu appeared on the corner of the dugout wall next to the camera well last month, the Angels have pieced together some big moments.