SAN FRANCISCO — With injuries to multiple key veterans, the Los Angeles Angels’ young core has been put to the test. But with a series win secured against the San Francisco Giants, Angels manager Ron Washington has been pleased with his young guns.
Washington spoke to media members prior to the series finale in the Bay Area.
Veteran mentorship
While losing established veterans has been frustrating, Washington didn’t shy away from praising his current roster, mostly composed of younger players.
He also noted that when the older contributors return, they’ll still have to prove themselves and earn a spot back in the rotation.
“If they don't perform, they’re gonna be over here on the bench and the guys that are out there performing will go back out there,” Washington said. “Because these kids right now are performing.”
Washington also admitted that the young lineup hasn’t seen a vocal leader take initiative in the clubhouse just yet — but the youthful players have rather exerted their leadership with their play on the diamond.
“I don't think those guys right now have taken that role,” Washington said. “The day will come when some of those young kids are going to be the leaders of the clubhouse.”
Washington also pointed out that the roster looks up to players like center fielder Mike Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon, so the lack of vocality is out of respect for the distinguished players to take charge.
Adjusting to a last-minute pitching switch
Hours before Sunday’s game, the Giants announced that expected starter, lefty Kyle Harrison, was placed on the 15-day injured list with an ankle sprain.
Instead, San Francisco gave southpaw Erik Miller (1-2) the starting nod in what will be a bullpen battle between both sides.
Washington notably benched center fielder Mickey Moniak for the series finale, despite him tallying four extra-base hits in the first two games at Oracle Park.
“When Moniak starts and he gets these opportunities against these lefties, it’s been ugly,” Washington said. “He’s got to show me that he can handle it.”
The Angels were going to face a lefty either way, whether it was going to be Harrison or Miller. But Harrison’s absence will make Sunday’s game a battle between relievers, as righty Ben Joyce (0-0) will start for Los Angeles.
An update on Chase Silseth
The Angels placed 24-year-old starter Chase Silseth on the 60-day injured list back on Apr. 30, as he suffered an elbow injury.
However, Silseth is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake and is set to pitch on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aviators.
“I'm not concerned about the results, I'm concerned about [Silseth’s] health,” Washington said. “So when they tell us that he's healthy enough to come up here and compete, then he’ll be here.”
Silseth has seen mixed results during his minor-league rehab stretch. He most recently gave up six earned runs in just over two innings of work last Tuesday against the Aviators.
Silseth has a 5.06 career ERA at the major league level and will look to return to the rotation in a timely manner. He hasn’t pitched for the Angels since Apr. 7.