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
Can Jac Caglianone or Isaac Collins give the Royals a productive OF? Plus, looks at the CHW rotation, rookie hitters in Cleveland, the potential impact of Kevin McGonigle in DET, and the Twins bullpen.
Feb 19 2026 3:08am
Feb 19 2026 3:08am
As we enter spring training, what are some of the major questions for the AL West?
Feb 18 2026 3:08am
Feb 18 2026 3:08am
Chandler Simpson headlines a crowded outfield competition in Tampa Bay. Plus, an abundance of options are fighting to round out Boston's rotation, and more.
Feb 17 2026 3:05am
Feb 17 2026 3:05am
With Spring Training games starting this week, questions abound as fresh faces and new issues present themselves in camp, including SP and SS in ATL, RF in MIA & PHI, SS at NYM, 1B at WAS, and more.
Feb 16 2026 3:11am
Feb 16 2026 3:11am
The NL West has plenty of prospects to be excited about, but finding playing time has been difficult so far. Will their fortunes change in 2026?
Feb 12 2026 3:03am
Feb 12 2026 3:03am
