The Los Angeles Angels made the difficult, but necessary decision to send Reid Detmers down to Triple-A Salt Lake after a dismal eight-start stretch from late April to June 1. In Detmers’ place, the Angels called up Ben Joyce, meaning they had no immediate answer as to who would fill Detmers spot in the rotation. Chase Silseth, one of the team’s original rotation pieces, could be an answer.
Silseth has been out since April 7 after only two starts due to elbow discomfort. Team and independent doctors agreed there was no structural damage to Silseth’s elbow, but that his discomfort was caused by inflammation. He was shut down entirely from April 7 to 26, then began a throwing program.
The 24-year-old starter has since progressed all the way to a rehab assignment at the Arizona Complex League, meaning he is on the path to a return, via MLB.com:
He’s since progressed to long toss and said on May 10 that he’s nearing his first bullpen session. Silseth left for Arizona on May 15 to throw a live bullpen session and eventually start a rehab assignment. He threw a 25-pitch bullpen on May 17 and another on May 20. He faced hitters in a live bullpen session on May 27. He began a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on May 31, throwing three innings. He will make at least one more start in Arizona and will be evaluated, as he could replace Reid Detmers in the rotation.
If the Angels are going to turn to Silseth as their Detmers replacement, it would require a bit of rushing on behalf of both the franchise and the player. The Angels must add a fifth starter to the rotation by June 15. Two convenient off days give the Angels the option to run out a four-man rotation through the 14th.
But if Silseth were to take that spot on the 15th, that means he will have time for only two more rehab starts — one at the ACL and one at a higher level — before returning to the Majors, a very quick return-to-play progression. The Halos have never been shy about throwing players into the fire, but given the nature of the injury it would be an aggressive timeline.
Perhaps Silseth is well-equipped for this and is ready to make his return. But the Angels won’t know for sure until his next ACL start, which would be on either Wednesday, June 5 or Thursday, June 6 with traditional four days or extended five days rest.
Ron Washington explains decision to option Reid Detmers
Angels manager Ron Washington explained why he felt optioning Detmers at this time was the right call. In short, he felt Detmers needed to spend time in a place where results are not the main focus and where a poor start isn’t a huge detriment in an effort to focus on re-establishing his strike zone and his stuff.
