Los Angeles Angels reliever Ty Buttrey looking to continue career

Ty Buttrey made the surprising decision to leave baseball ahead of the 2021 season. The Los Angeles Angels reliever had said that his heart just was not in it, as he lost the drive that led to his being able to reach the majors. It was a major blow to an Angels bullpen that was already lacking in talent heading into the season.

That year away seems to have been exactly what Buttrey needed. He is now looking to return to the game and continue his major league career.

Former Los Angeles Angels reliever Ty Buttrey looking to return to majors

Buttrey had emerged as a solid part of the Angels bullpen in his first two years in the majors. He posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.263 WHiP in his 88.2 innings, striking out 104 batters with 28 walks. Even if Buttrey was not going to be much of a factor for the ninth inning, he was still a solid setup man and someone that the Angels could build the bullpen around.

That changed in 2020. While the pandemic shortened season caused havoc and the statistics from that year may not have been reliable, Buttrey clearly struggled. He posted a 5.81 ERA and a 1.405 WHiP in his 26.1 innings, striking out 18 batters with nine walks. Something clearly was not right.

Spring training in 2021 just confirmed that thought. Buttrey had decided to walk away from the game even before the Angels had planned to option him to Triple-A to start the year, needing some time away to find that love of the game again.

It is entirely possible that Buttrey returns to the Angels. Manager Joe Maddon had left that door open when Buttrey walked away, and the Angels could use more help in the bullpen. They may have an unexpected gift coming back.

Ty Buttrey is looking to continue his major league career. The Los Angeles Angels bullpen could certainly use him going forward.