LA Angels Cam Bedrosian poised to anchor the back end of the bullpen

While the LA Angels offense continues to sputter, second generation MLB pitcher, Cam Bedrosian continues to make the closer-by-committee approach a difficult one to stick with.

LA Angels relief pitcher Cam Bedrosian has already began assembling a second consecutive strong campaign for the Halos. Working late in the game, with the lead has finally been a strength these last two seasons. Speaking with Pedro Moura of the LA Times in spring training, Bedrosian credited focusing on his slider as helping to turn the corner last season:

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"“That was really where it all began” he (Bedrosian) said. Rather than warming up by mixing a few sliders in with his firm fastball, he made the breaking ball a focus. Every day he played catch, and after his normal routine he’d add a session of 20 consecutive sliders, always aiming to hit the receiver in the chest, Moura continued."

And turn the corner he did. In 2016, the Angels 2010 first round pick went from struggling to excelling. Bedrosian the pitcher that had put together a nearly 6.00 ERA in the big leagues was transformed.  Bedrosian was now a pitcher with a 1.12 ERA in 45 games. Add Bedrosian’s 1.09 WHIP and finally harnessing his control enabled him to rise to a 22.8% K:BB rate, while holding batters to a combined .208 AVG.

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2016 ended with Huston Street, the LA Angels veteran closer on the shelf. Unfortunately, it also ended with Bedrosian on the shelf. Shortly after winning the chance to close, a blood clot in his armpit was found. It sidelined him the remainder of the year.

2017 began with Bedrosian, Street, and late season signing, Andrew Bailey all competing for the closer’s job. However, Street went down early in spring and it became a two-man race. Entering the regular season, the team opted to go with whoever was up for the task. By April 10th, Bailey was on his way to the 10 day disabled list and Bedrosian was very much looking like the last man standing.

Bedrosian has pitched in three games since then, notching 3.1 innings, with 3 K & 0 BB to go along with 1 W and 1 SV. For the sEason, Bedrosian has pitched in 6 games, giving up 0 ER while striking out eight and walking zero. With a sub-1.00 WHIP and three saves in three opportunities, as well as 100% LOB rate, the time to seize the closer role is Cam’s for the taking.

Bedrosian helped make his case with a 2 inning save against the Houston Astros on 4/18. He gave up two hits, but was able to use 3 K to strand them. Bedrosian notched his third save of the season. For the Angels, it was a much needed win for a team that has seen a high scoring offense and leaky pitching staff reverse roles in the last week.