Angels News: Reid Detmers Pinpoints Silver Lining in Wednesday’s Loss

Despite dropping a game to the Rangers, Detmers continues to show growth after a shaky start to the season.

Reid Detmers had a chance to redeem a poor start to the 2023 season in Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers when he entered the sixth inning — the longest he had lasted in a game since mid-April.

Detmers let up a single to Marcus Semien on the first at-bat. Then he walked Corey Seager and Adolis García, striking out Ezequiel Durán in between.

All of a sudden, the pitcher who entered the night with a 4.79 ERA and a 1-5 record was looking at another disappointing night.

Detmers responded by striking out the following two batters in just 7 pitches to end the inning and keep the Angels well within victory's reach.

"He knew exactly what was in front of him and what we had available," said Angels manager Phil Nevin. "I had to let him go. And I thought it was gutsy. Really gutsy."

(Via

The Athletic

)

They didn't win. The Rangers beat the Angels 6-3, due much in part to a poor performance from their bullpen. However, the "gutsy" show Detmers put on in the sixth could be a sign of brighter days ahead for the Angels starter.

"It's finally nice to get out of a jam. I just told myself, 'One pitch at a time.' And 'Don't give them anything to hit,'" Detmers said.

(Via

The Athletic

)

In June, Detmers is sporting a 3.24 ERA and a 2.57 K/BB ratio. The 23-year-old spent time last season working on his slider, which has become his favorite to throw when at peak effectiveness. In 2023, his slider has been waning, with batters hitting .273 against the pitch.

Wednesday night, his slider came in clutch. All three of his pitches against Jonah Heim, the final batter of the sixth, were sliders hovering at around 90 mph.

"I just feel like I have better feel of my pitches now," Detmers said. "The slider shape is where I want it to be. I trust it a lot more than I did earlier in the season. But also throwing the curveball and the fastball location, it's been a big deal too."

(Via

The Athletic

)

For a June that has seen Detmers pick up steam, his performance Wednesday night felt as momentous as a loss can for the Angels.