Los Angeles Angels: Breaking down the closer situation

By Bill Pivetz | May 2, 2017

Apr 30, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Bud Norris (20) throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Angels are skating by with Bud Norris as the team’s closer as two of their preferred options are injured. How do we go forward when all are healthy?

The Los Angeles Angels are playing with their No. 3 option as the closer but he’s doing very well. With Huston Street and Cam Bedrosian injured, Bud Norris is locking down the ninth inning duties. Is Norris someone you should jump on now? Here is how to deal with this situation going forward.

Norris recorded his first save on April 22 and now has five so far. For the season, he has a 2.57 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB ratio. With the lack of saves available, fantasy owners have been quick to add anyone with saves potential. Norris has been added in 28.4 percent of ESPN leagues over the last week.

If you are in need of some saves, add Norris while you still can. He should still be valuable for a couple more weeks. Bedrosian doesn’t seem to be returning anytime soon.

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Bedrosian was placed on the 10-day DL on April 22 with a groin injury. He was doing a good job filling in for Street as the closer. Bedrosian posted a 0.00 ERA, 0.900 WHIP, nine strikeouts, zero walks and three saves in 6.2 innings.

According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Orange County Register wrote that Bedrosian hasn’t begun any throwing program. He is eligible to return from the DL next Tuesday, but that clearly doesn’t seem likely to happen.

Street is the other relief pitcher recovering from an injury. Hoornstra also said that he “continues to make progress in his throwing program, targeting a June 1 return.” Street is out with lat strain. He is scheduled to make his first bullpen session on Wednesday and the program will take about five weeks.

Street hasn’t been that good as the Angels closer. He had a 6.45 ERA, 1.925 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 4.8 BB/9 and nine saves in 22.1 innings. Street had a 3.18 ERA, 1.155 WHIP and 40 saves in 62.1 innings in 2015. When he does return, I fear that he will be back as the Angels closer, hurting Norris and Bedrosian’s values. Although, saves are saves and they are hard to find late in the season.

Andrew Bailey is a third Angels relief pitcher dealing with an injury. He was placed on the 10-day DL with right shoulder inflammation and will return to the bullpen by the end of May. He isn’t someone I would target for relief pitcher help.

Next: The Curious Case of the Cabreras

Norris should still have the Angels closer job for another month. I am waiting for any update on Bedrosian before I jump ship on Norris. I’m not a fan of Street but seeing what Mike Scioscia has done in the past, it won’t surprise me to see him back in the ninth inning.

Pick up Norris for help in your ratio stats and saves.

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