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Angels’ Carlos Estevez Hopes for Redemption Against Guardians
Carlos Estevez is aiming for a comeback as the Los Angeles Angels take on the Cleveland Guardians in the series finale.
A Season of Struggles
Carlos Estevez, once a shining star for the Los Angeles Angels alongside Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, is facing a tough season. Last year, he saved 31 games in 35 opportunities and had a solid 3.90 ERA. But this year, things haven’t gone as smoothly. As the Angels and Cleveland Guardians wrap up their three-game series in Anaheim, Estevez’s performance has raised questions about his role as the team’s closer.
Recent Performance
Estevez’s recent outings have been rough. He gave up a game-ending RBI single to the Astros’ Jeremy Pena on Tuesday, and hasn’t pitched since. That game ended in a 6-5 loss, dropping his record to 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA over 16 appearances. Estevez has also blown three saves in 10 chances this season, causing doubts about his reliability in the bullpen.
Manager’s Support
Despite his struggles, Angels manager Ron Washington stands by Estevez. “We haven’t given up on him,” Washington said. “When the game is on the line and we’ve got a chance to win, we’re going to give the ball to Estevez. We’ve just got to ride it out and see where it goes. But as far as us making changes, we’re not making changes.”
Alternative Options
Washington does have other options in the bullpen. Luis Garcia, with three saves, and Hunter Strickland, boasting a 2.05 ERA in 21 games, could step into the closer role if Estevez’s struggles continue.
Pitching Matchup for the Finale
The Angels will send left-hander Reid Detmers to the mound on Sunday. Detmers (3-4, 5.80 ERA) started the season strong, winning his first three starts and posting a 1.04 ERA. However, May has been tough for him, going 0-2 with a 10.53 ERA in four starts, giving up seven homers in 19 2/3 innings. Detmers has a career record of 1-2 with a 6.29 ERA in five starts against Cleveland.
The Guardians will counter with right-hander Ben Lively (3-2, 2.84 ERA), who has been impressive this season. Lively has won his past two starts, including a strong performance against the New York Mets, where he allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings. In two career appearances against the Angels, he is 1-0 with a 5.14 ERA.
Guardians’ Bullpen Success
Unlike the Angels’ bullpen struggles, the Guardians have found stability with closer Emmanuel Clase. Clase led the majors with 44 saves last season and continues his dominance with an MLB-leading 16 saves in 19 opportunities this year. Clase has allowed just one earned run in 26 1/3 innings, posting an ERA of 0.34. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Clase’s reliability, saying, “It’s so nice to hand him the ball in the ninth and just sit back and watch. He’s done everything we’ve asked and more, and it’s so fun to watch him out there just smiling.”
Clase’s Focus on Improvement
Despite his impressive save total last year, Clase also had 12 blown saves. Determined to improve, Clase identified focus as his key area for improvement. “It’s just focusing even more every single pitch, every single game compared to last year,” Clase said through an interpreter. “So I think the only difference is just the focus.”
Conclusion
As the Angels face the Guardians in the series finale, Carlos Estevez is looking for a chance to redeem himself and regain his form from last season. With the Guardians riding an eight-game winning streak and the Angels looking to stabilize their bullpen, Sunday’s game promises to be crucial for both teams.
