AL West: Surviving, not thriving
May 30 2024
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."
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
With teams still putting rosters together, each of the NL West teams (even the Dodgers), has some work to do. What are next steps each team might take?
Jan 29 2026 3:06am
Jan 29 2026 3:06am
What does the acquisition of Luisangel Acuña mean for the outfield picture in Chicago? Plus, a look at DET SS options, the catcher situation in KC, and the CLE and MIN rotations.
Jan 26 2026 3:03am
Jan 26 2026 3:03am
Ben Williamson is currently the projected third baseman for the Mariners, but a shakeup may be needed.
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Chicago signed Bregman to a 5-year/$175 million deal, how does it impact their roster?
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Coby Mayo (pictured) and Ryan Mountcastle have been squeezed from regular reps in BAL, while Triston Casas is in a similar spot in BOS; plus, more offseason fallout from the AL East.
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
