The Los Angeles Angels have recorded five victories in seven games and no longer possess the worst record in the American League.
One of the problem areas for the Angels has been their bullpen as they enter Sunday’s finale of a three-game series against the Athletics on Sunday afternoon at Anaheim, Calif.
But on Saturday, four relievers combined to allow one hit over 3 1/3 scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory over the A’s.
Right-hander Kirby Yates pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 100th career save.
And it ranked as a huge milestone for the 39-year-old Yates.
Yates first got regular closing work in his fifth major league season when the San Diego Padres dealt All-Star Brad Hand at the 2018 trading deadline. Yates notched 12 saves and then turned in an epic 2019 All-Star campaign when he recorded 41 saves to go with a microscopic 1.19 ERA.
But he made only six appearances in 2020 before undergoing elbow surgery. Then, after signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, he missed all of the 2021 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. He made just nine appearances for the Atlanta Braves in 2022.
He re-emerged as an All-Star with the Texas Rangers in 2024 when he had 33 saves but struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He joined the Angels this season but didn’t make his team debut until May 8 due to left knee inflammation.
On Saturday, he notched his second save in four opportunities.
“It’s just cool. It’s been a long journey,” Yates said of getting No. 100. “You have to thank your teammates because they are the ones who put you in the situation. I have to get the last three outs. They played eight innings, I have to play one …
“I’ve had my failures. I’m glad I got another chance to do it.”
Jonah Heim homered for the Athletics, who have lost five of their past seven games.
The A’s trailed by one in the eighth when they loaded the bases and didn’t score. The Angels responded by scoring twice in the bottom of the frame.
“We had a chance, obviously, having the bases loaded with one out,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “It’s tough.”
The Athletics could be shorthanded for the finale as shortstop Jacob Wilson (left shoulder) has missed the past three games and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (left hip tightness) left after 2 1/2 innings on Saturday and will be re-evaluated Sunday.
Kotsay remained hopeful Wilson might be available Sunday.
Athletics right-hander Aaron Civale (5-4, 4.88 ERA) has dropped three straight starts, the last two after he returned from a stint on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder issues.
Civale, 31, lost to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday when he gave up two runs and six hits over four innings.
Civale received a no-decision against the Angels on May 20 when he served up three homers and gave up five runs and five hits over five innings. Jo Adell, Jorge Soler and Josh Lowe all homered off Civale.
He is 3-1 with a 5.01 ERA in six career starts against the Angels. Logan O’Hoppe (3-for-9) also has gone deep against Civale.
The Angels turn to left-hander Sam Aldegheri (2-3, 5.47), who makes his fifth start of this season.
Aldegheri, 24, allowed 11 runs and 11 hits over 7 2/3 innings while losing his last two turns. He gave up five runs and five hits over 4 2/3 innings while falling to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.
Aldegheri has never faced the Athletics. Heim (1-for-1, one walk) is the only A’s player he has faced.
-Field Level Media
