Which Angels are doomed to not return in 2021?

Angels that won’t return in 2021: Hoby Milner, RP

If you’ve kept up with the Angels throughout the ups and downs of 2020, then you already know that the bullpen has been a major issue for the team. Part of that has been an overreliance on the relief corps, but some of it has just been poor performance.

Signed as a minor league free agent prior to the 2019 season, left-hander Hoby Milner was a buy-low candidate for an Angels staff looking to add a southpaw to the bullpen. However, he made the 30-man roster out of summer camp and, outside of a stay on the 10-day IL with back spasms, he’s found himself firmly entrenched in the pen.

Unfortunately for the Angels, presence hasn’t dictated performance, and they work they’ve gotten out of Milner has been sub-par. Over 17 appearances, he’s worked just 11.1 innings and surrendered nine runs on 10 hits and three home runs. Overall, he’s got a 7.15 ERA, a 6.53 FIP, an 8.7 K/9, and a 4.8 BB/9.

Astonishingly enough, Milner has suffered most of his damage against like-handed hitters, with lefties teeing off on him to the tune of .258/.343/.548 while right-handers have only managed a .167/.333/.250 batting line. That runs counter-productive to his career trends, but it is still a troubling sign when the lefty in the pen can’t get outs against left-handed hitters.

While Milner isn’t arbitration-eligible until next winter, his body of work over the last three seasons would indicate that there are better options available elsewhere.