LA Angels: Jaime Barria shows he can be a fixture in rotation with first start

Jaime Barria totally showed out in his first start of the season with the LA Angels.

Barria got his first start of the season on Sunday, which was just his third game of the year.

In his first game, he came in relief and gave up seven runs in just two innings. He threw four scoreless in his next relief appearance, however, and flashed the potential that he does have as a young righty.

Jaime Barria flashed his potential once again in his lone start of the season for the LA Angels.

Jaime Barria gave up just two runs in seven innings pitched while only walking two en route to recording a win for the LA Angels on Sunday.

Barria threw just 33 balls out of his 95 pitches, and left the game with the Angels on top.

This looked like the Barria we saw in 2018, and last year in limited action.

That’s the Barria who we are relying on to be a major part of our rotation moving forward.

Barria’s had to take many trips to the Minor Leagues in his career with the Angels, but has been looking good in his chances this year.

In 2018, Barria was 10-9 with a 3.41 ERA. It was his best year, but came back down to earth in 2019. His 2020 was solid, and if he keeps pitching like he has been recently, he’s going to be staying up at the Majors for good.

It’s why Sunday wasn’t just some typical good performance. It was a performance that builds confidence in Barria during a season in which, if trade rumors are true, may require him to start many more games for the Halos.

Patrick Sandoval just shoved it on Saturday, almost throwing a no-hitter. He proved that he’s ready to be a major long-term piece in this rotation.

Barria took a step towards that as well, and if he can find that consistency, will absolutely be part of this rotation’s core for years to come.