The Los Angeles Angels earned a series win over the Cleveland Guardians behind a stellar start from Kenny Rosenberg in what was only his seventh career MLB game.
The left-hander picked up his first career MLB win after allowing just one run on six hits and collecting four strikeouts in five innings of work. The performance followed a quality start against the Baltimore Orioles last week.
The Angels celebrated Rosenberg’s milestone after the game, which he described in full detail. Rosenberg also noted that he has enjoyed starting on a regular basis, via Janis Carr of the Southern California News Group:
“Obviously, it’s nice to get the first one out of the way,” Rosenberg (1-1) said. “And yeah, they do the traditional beer shower. A little extracurriculars – not just beer. A couple of eggs, ice water, all good stuff. It’s a fun celebration. I had just as much adrenaline in there as I did (on the field).”
“It’s nice to have my own game,” he said. “It (starting) is what I’ve done most of my career in the minors. But you have to earn those opportunities.”
Rosenberg was called up to the Angels in August and his first two appearances came out of the bullpen. He has since made two consecutive starts, which is a role he filled for most of the season with Triple-A Salt Lake.
Rosenberg went 7-7 with a 4.95 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 10.8 strikeouts per nine in 100 innings pitched across 20 starts with the Bees this season.
The 28-year-old previously made three appearances with the Angels last season, including one start against the Seattle Mariners in which threw 4.2 scoreless innings.
Angels potentially open to trading Mike Trout in offseason
As the Angels wrap up another disappointing season, they will soon have decisions to make on their two most important players in Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
Ohtani is set to become a free agent this offseason, and his decision could determine whether the team entertains trade offers for Trout. The latest report indicates L.A. would be willing to do so if the three-time American League MVP requests to be moved.