Angels News: Phil Nevin Jumps to Front Line of Defense for Bullpen After Blowing 6-Run Lead

The "unreal" bullpen has been a driving force behind the Angels' recent surge.

The Angels dropped a high-scoring close game against the Kansas City Royals when Samad Taylor hit a walk-off single in his first career at bat and the Royals took the game 10-9.

After a 2 ER, six inning performance from Griffin Canning, the bullpen let up 8 runs between the seventh and final innings.

Before dropping this game, the bullpen had been a key part of the Angel's recent success. LA has won 10 of its previous 12 games, climbing to second in the AL West. During that span, the team bullpen ERA 1.43 was the best in the major leagues.

"They've been unreal," Manager Phil Nevin said. "There's a reason why we put ourselves in the position we're in as far as the way the last two, three weeks have gone. I've asked a lot out of them. They've been used a lot. You've got throw strikes late in the game. They didn't do that today."

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

Carlos Estévez, the Angels' typical closer, was unavailable Saturday afternoon. With 18 saves and a 1.80 ERA, Estévez has been one of the best closers in baseball. According to Nevin, he needed a break.

"He's just been used a ton," Nevin said. "For us to get where we want to be, I need Carlos Estévez and I need him healthy."

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

Instead, Chris Devinski closed out the game for the Angels, entering both the eighth and ninth innings with a lead.

"I just didn't get the job done," Devenski said. "It's gonna eat at me a little bit, but I'll go back out there and prove what I got."

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

Fortunately for Devenski and the rest of the Angel bullpen, there are plenty of opportunities to "get the job done" remaining.