Los Angeles Angels reliever Huston Street is close to returning to action, after taking a few days off to nurse a sore hamstring injured on September 6, but won’t be available until Friday at the earliest. Street has not been on the disabled list due to expanded September rosters, but the Angels have also not faced a save situation in the games Street has been unavailable.
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Sidewinder Joe Smith will likely get any save opportunities in the meantime, and Smith has been doing an admirable job filling in as closer at times this season, posting 15 saves and a sterling 1.95 ERA in 70 appearances (69.1 innings pitched). Even more impressive is Smith’s 2.81 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) in his first year with LA.
But the Halos will still be happy to see Street return, if only for another great back-end option in the bullpen. Street was acquired from the San Diego Padres on July 19 for R.J. Alvarez and three minor leagues. Street has been terrific for Los Angeles in 22 games, with 13 saves and on the year, he has a 1.33 ERA in 54 innings pitched, and has only walked 13 batters all year. Adding Street to the bullpen along with Smith, Kevin Jepsen, and Jason Grilli will give manager Mike Scioscia another reliable late-inning arm to work with late in games.