Los Angeles Angels’ Manager Makes Revelation on Team’s Closer Battle

According to manager Ron Washington, the Los Angeles Angels intend to open the season with Carlos Estevez as their closer despite acquiring Robert Stephenson to a free agent contract this winter.

According to manager Ron Washington, the Los Angeles Angels intend to open the season with Carlos Estevez as their closer despite adding free agent Robert Stephenson this offseason.

When asked if Carlos Estévez will start the season as the Angels’ closer, Ron Washington, the manager of the team, said straight.

“At this moment, he serves as a closer,” Washington stated. Thus, there’s no need for us to discuss that.

Estévez, 31, just finished a season in which he recorded a 3.90 ERA in 62 1/3 innings pitched with 78 strikeouts. He made his debut as an All-Star and made a career-high 31 saves out of 35 chances.

After seven seasons as a player for the Colorado Rockies and Angels, Estevez is entering his debut season in Anaheim in 2023. He is 23–26 with a 4.47 ERA in his career. His previous career high was 11, therefore his 31 saves were a career high.

Even if Estevez was handed the position by Washington at the beginning of spring training, it’s still possible for him to lose it at some point. Stephenson would probably have the upper hand if he did. This offseason, he inked a three-year contract with the Halos.

Stephenson began his career with the Reds in 2016 and remained with them until midway through the 2022 campaign.

He ended 2022 with Pittsburgh and remained there for a portion of 2023 before concluding his career with Tampa Bay, where he produced outstanding results.

He finished 3-4 overall in 2023 with a 3.10 ERA in 60 games, but in 42 games with Tampa, he only had a 2.35 ERA. His contributions were significant to a Rays club that won 99 games and took second place in the competitive American League East.