Angels' Pitchers Bought Into Big Changes & It Paid Off Monday
Ever since Jose Suarez began showing some serious struggles at the pitching mound and eventually went down with injury, team manager Phil Nevin and the rest of the Angels' coaching knew they would needed another solid starter at some point.
Chase Silseth was given the nod after he got called up from the minor leagues thanks to four games with the Salt Lake Bees where he recorded a .90 ERA. He didn't get many more starting opportunities than that with the Halos but his 5.40 ERA led to a big pitching change for LA right before their new series against the Boston Red Sox.
Jaime Barria was moved out of the bullpen to start in place of Silseth on Monday, who was then named a reliever. Nevin is clearly showcasing here that he'll make the tough decisions when he needs to and find success in the process.
And his first start of the year on Monday was nothing short of spectacular. Barria lasted five innings on the mound while allowing just two hits, no runs, and struck out six batters.
The 26-year-old was super happy to receive word that he would be placed in the starting rotation and assures he'll do everything he can to keep it.
“It’s pretty important to me,” said Barria. “I was waiting for that opportunity. Keep doing my thing and keep throwing strikes and do my job.”
(Via OC Register)
Let's also not forget to highlight the sacrifice that Silseth made by stepping down to the bullpen amidst some early struggles and pave the way for Barria to get some well-deserved shine.
The 23-year-old still has a long way to go in the MLB and it's good to see him learning these types of lessons now. Silseth revealed that he'll never mope after any choice made by the front office and only wants to help them win.
“If that’s where they want me to be right now, that’s where I’ll be and be happy about it,” Silseth said. “To do that right there and just help the team win, that’s all that matters to me.”
(Via OC Register)
Let's keep the ball rolling game two against the Red Sox.
