Angels Manager Decides On Closer Role... Sort of

Although he came to the Los Angeles Angels with no guarantees, reliever Carlos Esteves had a goal of being the team's closer for 2023. At this point, as per manager Phil Nevin, that will not necessarily be the case. 

Nevin has decided that he will have no closer to start the year, but rather go by the dreaded "committee."

Phil Nevin earlier today on the Angels closer situation: "I wouldn't say I have an exact closer just yet. I think those are all things that are going to play themselves out... [Carlos Estévez] is definitely going to get some big outs late in the game most of the year for us."

— Sarah Valenzuela (@Sarah_IsabelVee) March 25, 2023

"I wouldn't say I have an exact closer just yet. I think those are all things that are going to play themselves out... [Carlos Estévez] is definitely going to get some big outs late in the game most of the year for us."

Estevez, who signed in LA after six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, had shown some end-game chops as recently as 2021, when he saved 11 games. But he struggled mightily this spring. In 5.2 innings, Estevez has a 12.71 ERA, walking 10 batters while striking out eight. 

The 30-year-old had a 3.47 ERA last season, and he's always been a much more effective pitcher away from the thin air of Coors Field (but who isn't?).

Ryan Tepera, Jimmy Herget and Matt Moore are the other options that the Angels can go to in a closing situation, in addition to Estevez.

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports