3 surprises within LA Angels bullpen that can be effective

3 of 3

Mar 1, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Ty Buttrey, LA Angels / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The lockout is over and the LA Angels have some work to do. Some of the main components could be to add one more starter for depth, possibly a bullpen piece, and a glaring hole at the shortstop position.

The bullpen in particular might be the least concerning for the team considering how well they did last season and getting some more arms that didn't play for them last year. Starting with a familiar face, here's a look at some bullpen arms already on the halos that could prove to be strong options.

No. 3 surprise within LA Angels bullpen that can be effective: Ty Buttrey

One of the more intriguing names that the LA Angels could add to the bullpen is one they acquired from the Red Sox about four years ago in Ty Buttrey. He had stepped away from the game for some time to focus on his mental health but now he's ready for a comeback. While he'll have to prove himself again, adding depth of his caliber is only considered a good problem to have. Before he stepped away he pitched to a 5.81 ERA in 26.1 innings of work in 2020. In 2019 and 2018, he was much more effective, pitching to an ERA+ of 116 in 2019 and 129 in the year prior to that.

May 8, 2019; San Diego, CA, USA; Gerardo Reyes / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 surprise within LA Angels bullpen that can be effective: Gerardo Reyes

A year removed from Tommy John surgery, Gerardo Reyes looks to be back right where he started with the LA Angels, and that's with high hopes on making it to the big league club. He last pitched in the big leagues in 2019 to a 7.62 ERA in only 26 innings pitched, all with his former club (Padres) before being traded for Jason Castro.

Proving that he can be a high-strikeout guy, Reyes recorded 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 2019. Don't let that high ERA fool you, as he also posted a 3.41 FIP. He had a 4-0 record on the year, and has the talent to be a force for this club if he can stay healthy.

Feb 24, 2021; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Kenny Rosenberg, LA Angels / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 surprise within LA Angels bullpen that can be effective: Kenny Rosenberg

Kenny Rosenberg is a new addition to the LA Angels when he was claimed through waivers in the Rays system. He has the potential to be a solid left-handed relief option in the big league bullpen should he piece everything together in the minor leagues. He's not too far off either, posting a 2.81 ERA in 41.2 innings of work with a 1.20 WHIP while making four starts (18 appearances) last season in the minors. He'll more than likely be used in the bullpen as the starting rotation seems to be filled out already.

Rosenberg is still a young 26, and was no scrub in the draft, getting selected in the eighth round. Racking up 12.7 strikeouts per nine last year in the Minors, his stuff works.

These three relief pitchers all have the capability of impacting the major league ball club in a big way, with two of them being comeback stories in Buttrey and Reyes. The start of Spring Training is the time to see what the club has in terms of depth and each of these pitchers can make a name for themselves.

Next. LA Angels stand pat after lockout ends. dark

Home / LA Angels News