The Los Angeles Angels shuffled their rotation last week by giving Chase Silseth a start against the Baltimore Orioles after he was previously pitching out of the bullpen.
The right-hander allowed four runs on six hits and struck out five batters in what ultimately amounted to a loss. It was his first appearance after struggling in a relief appearance against the Texas Rangers nine days prior.
Now as the Angels get set to begin a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox, Silseth is being bumped back to the bullpen and Jaime Barría will start in the series opener in his place, per J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Right-hander Chase Silseth will move back to the bullpen, Nevin said, after losing his only start of the season Tuesday in Baltimore. Right-hander Jaime Barría will step into the rotation Monday against the Boston Red Sox, with a chance to stay in the role for the remainder of the season.
Barría has thrived in a relief role this season but primarily was a starter during the 2018-21 seasons, and Angels manager Phil Nevin believes he will be able to pick up where he left off:
“Jaime’s throwing the heck out of it,” Nevin said. “He’s started before. We like what his fastball’s been doing lately. I’m going to send him out there and let him go as long as he can.”
Nevin revealed that both Barría and Silseth are happy with their role changes:
“When I told (Barría) he had a big smile on his face,” Nevin said. “He’s ready to go. Silseth was the same way. He enjoyed coming out of the ’pen. I used him in some high-leverage spots as soon as I got him and I’ll continue to do that.”
Nevin is hopeful that the swap involving Barría and Silseth will bring stability to the rotation and bullpen, respectively. Barría was one of the Angels’ best relievers this season, going 1-1 with a 1.96 ERA, 3.51 FIP and 0.96 WHIP in 23 innings across 10 games.
As for Silseth, he is now part of a new-look Angels bullpen that includes Aaron Loup, Reyes Moronta and Jacob Webb.
Angels’ José Quijada & Austin Warren leaning on each other in Tommy John rehab
The Angels bullpen lost two key contributors this year when José Quijada and Austin Warren underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. They are both looking at 12-to-15 month recoveries and will be aligned in their return to game action.
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