Angels News: Luis Garcia & Ben Joyce Next In Line For Closer Duties

Ron Gutterman
3 Min Read
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Angels traded closer Carlos Estévez to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday in exchange for two starting pitcher prospects in George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri. It was a big and necessary move for the future of the franchise, but it opens up the closer role for the 2024 edition of the team.

Angels manager Ron Washington knew that this decision was in the works, as Estévez was seen as an inevitability to be traded. In the meantime, he looked through his other bullpen arms to find who would take over the closer role and landed on two options in the event that another reliever is dealt as well.

Starting Sunday, Luis Garcia is expected to be the primary closer for the Angels. But if he is dealt before Tuesday’s trade deadline, Ben Joyce would assume those responsibilities, via Sam Blum of The Athletic:

Garcia, 37, has never been a primary closer in his career. In fact, he has tallied only 14 saves in 12 MLB seasons. However, he has been solid for the Angels this season, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.195 WHIP in 42.2 innings. He has an ERA+ of 113 on the year.

Garcia’s name, though, has also been in trade talks. And it would not be surprising to see him get dealt before Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. PT. If that ends up being the case, Joyce would take over from there. Joyce, 23, has been a standout for the Angels in his second Major League campaign.

He has a 2.33 ERA and 1.293 WHIP with a 186 ERA+, but he has done so in far fewer innings than Garcia. Joyce has never recorded a Major League save or a blown save.

The Angels are going to finalize all their plans after Tuesday passes and they know exactly what their organization is going to look like.

Angels still have deals to make

League-wide interest remains for players like Tyler Anderson — who is seen as among the most desirable starting pitchers on the market — Luis Rengifo, Taylor Ward, Garcia, Matt Moore and even Reid Detmers as a reclamation project.

This leaves the Angels in a strong position of leverage over the final two days before the trade deadline. Anderson and Rengifo, at this stage, appear likely to be dealt given the lack of available players at those positions around the league.

Ron Gutterman is a college student from Anaheim, California, and is currently the lead editor for AngelsNation.com. He is also a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com, RamsNewsWire.com, and RaidersNewsWire.com. He is a student attending Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, studying Sports Management. With Lakers Nation, Rams News Wire, Raiders News Wire, and Angels Nation, Ron assists in news, game coverage, analysis, and hot takes via his Twitter account, @rongutterman24. Ron's favorite Angels player of all time is either Mike Trout or Vladimir Guerrero. Ron began watching baseball when he was seven years old with his dad taking him to games. Ron's all time favorite Angels moment is when he was at Angels Stadium to watch the Halos throw a no-hitter in the first home game after the death of Tyler Skaggs. Contact: ron@mediumlargela.com
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