Los Angeles Angels manager was forced to go to the bullpen earlier than he’d like in Monday’s win against the New York Yankees. Dylan Bundy had been struggling with his pitches and his health, and after 1.2 lackluster innings, he stepped off the mound and vomited on the field at Yankee Stadium. Jose Suarez was immediately brought in to replace him.
Bundy — in his 1.2 innings — allowed two runs on four hits. He’s struggled all season long, but Monday seemed to be due to his health and mental state rather than his actual pitching. Luckily for the Angels, Suarez came in and did significant damage. He threw an efficient 56 pitches over 5.1 innings, giving up one earned run on two hits and one walk.
After the Angels came through for a 5-3 victory, Maddon gave an update on Bundy’s health from what the team called “heat exhaustion,” according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“He’s better,” Maddon said. “I was really upset and concerned. But after he threw up, he felt better underneath. I guess heat exhaustion was part of the issue. He told me even after the first that he did not feel that good, but [he] went out for the second and just knew he might get ill, and he did. This guy is as tough as they come, and I’ve been singing his praises for a long time.”
Maddon then turned his attention to Suarez, who was undoubtedly the player of the game for the Angels. He even gave reason for Maddon to consider moving him to the starting rotation full time.
“He was ridiculously great,” Maddon said. “When he came in, I wanted to make sure he had enough time. But he told me, ‘I got this,’ as I was walking off the mound. So, leaps and bounds for him. The best way I can describe it is, his brain finally showed up. His body has been here for a bit, but now who he is is starting to show up, and there’s no telling how good he’s going to be.”
“It’s absolutely something we have to discuss,” he said. “I think he validated that he might be ready right now. This is going to require some more discussion. He is looking like a Major League starting pitcher.”
This has been a remarkable turnaround season for Suarez, as he sported a 7.99 ERA through 83.1 innings in his first two Major League seasons. Now, with Bundy struggling and Jose Quintana moving to the bullpen, perhaps a spot has opened up for the 23-year old who was once a top pitching prospect.
Monday’s showing against the Yankees was exactly what someone like Suarez needs to gain some momentum at the Major League level.
Shohei Ohtani homers again
Monday’s win against the Yankees was so eventful that a Shohei Ohtani first inning home run seemingly flew under the radar. The home run gave the Angels a 1-0 lead and moved Ohtani to a tie for the MLB home run lead. He has 26 now, equal to Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
