Angels News: Phil Nevin Explains Pitching Decision that Lost LA Friday’s Game
There is a common problem that many teams around the MLB are facing and the Los Angeles Angels are no different. That would be the lack of a solid bullpen and more specifically, relievers that have failed to hold onto leads when they check into the game.
The Halos got off to a hot offensive start in their first slew of games in 2023 and maybe that's why the pitching staff thought it'd be okay to take their feet off of the brakes. Friday night's loss stung a little extra considering the fact that outside of Mike Trout's first inning home run, LA was struggling at the bat pretty bad.
Only three hits were recorded the whole game and even through this, they still found themselves leading 3-1 after six innings pitched by Patrick Sandoval. Matt Moore took over for him and wasn't doing too bad himself but everything went downhill once Jimmy Herget came in.
For the second time this season, the Angels lost at the hands of Phil Nevin putting Herget in the game before Moore could even complete his inning.
Nevin, team manager, spoke to Bally Sports West following the conclusion of the match and shared his reasoning behind making such a move yet again.
"Looking at the matchups, Moore to Springer and Hergert to Springer," said Nevin. "I trust Matt of course, Springer's got him before. He hit a homer off Matt last year. I still trust him but Jimmy's as good right-on-right as anyone in this game."
(Via Bally Sports West)
Nevin seemed like he was trying very hard to convince himself that he does trust Moore when, in this case, he obviously didn't. There was past history to back his reasoning so it's good to know that.
However, now that he as seen how Herget has performed in these crucial game moments to start the year, that is something he will have to remember as well.
