AL West: Surviving, not thriving

Los Angeles Angels

Angels closer Carlos Estévez's 4.76 ERA through 17 IP to date has validated some of our preseason skepticism. But a 4.22 xERA and much-improved 4% BB% suggest that he's actually been better than expected, saving eight games in nine opportunities on a team where late-inning save chances are few and far between. His current numbers still seem unlikely to survive another four months (see his 1H/2H splits from 2023), but at least for now, Estevez is getting an assist from a bullpen with a collective 4.71 ERA and no obvious replacement should he stumble.

Among the best performers currently fronting Estevez, all are 30-something veterans with little closer history or swing-and-miss stuff that might scream “ninth inning."

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we take a close look at Kyle Karros's impressive June, check in on a catching prospect in San Fran, and welcome back a few old friends.
Jul 4 2026 3:06am
Josh Lowe has returned from AAA and appears to be ready to take over the CF job in Anaheim.
Jul 1 2026 3:07am
Trent Grisham's looming return could remove either Spencer Jones or Jasson Domínguez from the Yankees' outfield. Plus, a new look infield in BOS, Dean Kremer nearing a return for BAL, and more.
Jun 30 2026 3:05am
This week, we discuss the return of Heliot Ramos to a crowded lineup situation in San Francisco, and the playing time outlook for prospects throughout the NL West.
Jun 27 2026 3:06am

Tools