Call to the pen
Fansided

Closers Who Could Lose Their Job In 2017

By Jackson Bruce

Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) delivers a pitch to a San Diego Padres batter in the ninth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) delivers a pitch to a San Diego Padres batter in the ninth inning of their game at Turner Field. The Braves won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Huston Street (16) at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports. MLB.
Feb 21, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Huston Street (16) at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports. MLB. /

Huston Street, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Angels had a horrendous bullpen last season, and that bullpen was led by Huston Street. Street has been closing games for the Angels since 2014 when he came over from San Diego. While Street isn’t the only closer the Angels will be using, he may be the first to leave their closer by committee group. Last season, Street struggled mightily. In 26 games, he had nine saves, 14 strikeouts and a 6.45 earned run average in 22.1 innings pitched. His nine saves led the team.

This season, the Angels will have Andrew Bailey and Cam Bedrosian closing out games. If one or both of them shines, then Street will be the first one out. Bailey’s Angels numbers last season were much better than Street’s. After being traded to the Angels from Philadelphia, he pitched in 12 games, posting a 2.38 earned run average, six saves and eight strikeouts in 11.1 innings. If he keeps that pace, he will take away ninth innings from Street.

Bedrosian may be more likely to take on the closer role full time. Last season he pitched well, racking up 51 strikeouts in 40.1 innings, while maintaining a 1.12 earned run average in 45 appearances. His closing experience is limited, with only one save last season. Experience aside, he may be the best bullpen arm they have and he has a chance at being their full time closer over street.

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