LA Angels Young Relief Pitchers Struggling

The LA Angels had two young bullpen arms, Keynan Middleton and Cam Bedrosian, get off to tremendous starts this year. However, they have both been struggling as of late.

The LA Angels have greatly benefitted from an elite bullpen this year. Ranking near the top of the MLB in most statistics, the bullpen has been carrying an otherwise mediocre roster.

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Much of these successes came from excellent production from youngsters Keynan Middleton and Cam Bedrosian. Middleton was called up in early May, and allowed only three runs throughout the month. He throws absolute heat and was trusted in high leverage situations, highlighted by his punch outs of rookie phenoms Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger.

Bedrosian began the year as the team’s closer before landing on the disabled list in late April. He made only six appearances before his DL stint, but had not allowed an earned run to that point in the season, while cashing in on three of four save opportunities.

Bedrosian and Middleton appeared to be the anchors of the Angels bullpen. While this may be true for the future, it is obvious they are both struggling at this point in the season. Middleton, after owning a 2.70 ERA in May, was still solid at moments in June. However, he also had a number of poor outings. He had a 3.86 ERA in June, which has evolved into a 9.00 ERA in July. Middleton has allowed five runs in as many innings, while allowing as many home runs as strikeouts (3). While Middleton has amazing velocity and movement, his command has been iffy this month, leaving balls up for hitters to send out of the ballpark.

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Bedrosian has not had as disastrous of a downfall as Middleton. In fact, he seems to be on the mend. After coming back from the DL in mid-June, he made six appearances in the month and had a 5.60 ERA for the month, bringing his season ERA to 2.25. It does seem as if Bedrosian is coming back, but he is still not in the elite form he was in at the beginning of the season. Nonetheless, Bedrosian still has a 3.00 ERA through six appearances in July. Bedrosian is also 0-1 in save opportunities since his return.

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The bullpen has slowly been falling apart for the Halos, and these two youngsters, Middleton in particular, have not been holding up on their end. While it is not time to panic yet, these two young studs need to return to their early season form if the Halos hope to make the playoffs.