Following a 6-5 nail-biting win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday that almost resulted in a late-inning collapse, the Los Angeles Angels made a roster move with struggling starter José Suarez.
After posting an ERA of 6.35 and a FIP of 6.32 in 17 innings this season, the writing was on the wall for the youngest member of the Angels’ starting rotation.
Suarez did show success in 2021, which earned him a role in the Angels’ rotation heading into this season, but failing to finish five innings in any outing this year was becoming an issue.
Angels Manager Joe Maddon said that optioning Suarez to Triple-A would be beneficial for Suarez with the hope they can help get him back on track, via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“He has not been pitching as well as we think he can,” Maddon said after Sunday’s game. “We’re hoping that one start down there will get him right. We gave him some things to work on. He’s a great kid. I think he’s going to be outstanding. He was outstanding last year, just had not been at this point. So let’s give him a little time. Go and breathe a little bit and come back better.”
Suarez had taken a step back after his walk rate ballooned to 13.8% and has allowed opposing hitters to post a .275 collective batting average against him.
He has also struggled to limit hard contact, although his pitch usage has generally remained the same.
Griffin Canning on his health
The Angels starting pitching is middle of the pack in MLB with a 3.71 collective ERA in 80 innings pitched, but they are also top-10 in the league in strikeouts and in hits allowed. This gives them an upgrade from their previous seasons and with their early success, they could get reinforcements in the form of Griffin Canning soon.
Canning was supposed to be a bright spot for the Angels last season, but after a demotion to Triple-A late in the season, he suffered a season-ending injury that halted any shot at a return to MLB.
But he has rehabbed his way back from a stress reaction in his lower back and says he is feeling very good.
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