INJURIES: Los Angeles Angels Closer Jose Quijada Out for Season, Will Need Tommy John Surgery

After having a second opinion on his left elbow, Los Angeles Angels closer Jose Quijada will miss the rest of the 2023 Major League Baseball season, as the veteran reliever will require Tommy John surgery, Angels manager Phil Nevin told reporters Wednesday afternoon, including MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.

After having a second opinion on his left elbow, Los Angeles Angels closer Jose Quijada will miss the rest of the 2023 Major League Baseball season, as the veteran reliever will require Tommy John surgery, Angels manager Phil Nevin told reporters Wednesday afternoon, including MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.

Quijada recorded four saves in ten games this season, pitching nine innings. The Angels closer recorded a 6.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over his ten appearances in 2023.

Carlos Estevez appears to be emerging as the Angels' new closer. Estevez has recorded six saves, and has just a 1.62 ERA over his last six appearances.

The Angels hope Quijada will return sometime during the 2024 season. Quijada last appeared in an April 27 game, in which he allowed an earned run on three hits, recording just one out.

Despite losing a key piece of their bullpen, the Angels are off to a decent start to begin the season. The club enters play Wednesday at 16-14, 2.5 games back of the Texas Rangers for first place in the American League West division.

The Angels took the first game of their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium Tuesday night. The Cardinals continue to struggle, making it an opportune time for Los Angeles to potentially pick up a couple more wins.

The reigning AL West champion Houston Astros have been riddled with injuries of their own. The 2022 World Series champs lost starting pitchers Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia on back-to-back days earlier this week.