Ron Washington Still Believes in Angels Starter, Despite Early Struggles

“I’ve always been impressed with him."

The Los Angeles Angels expect big things from starting pitcher Reid Detmers and his rough start on Friday doesn't deter them from their plans.

Neither does his disappointing 2023 season.

Detmers had a rocky ride last season with a 4-10 record over 28 starts and a 4.48 ERA, but he did have two wins against the eventual World Series champs Texas Rangers in the second half.

Manager Ron Washington told reporters including Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register that he is familiar with Detmers' potential.

“I’ve always been impressed with him, even last year when he wasn’t doing well. You can look at him and see he has potential. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard you work. If it’s meant that you are going to have a bad year, you’re going to have a bad year.

“… You have to find out why it didn’t happen because something made it not happen and then don’t let that set in again. And I think that’s where he is.”

Ron Washington via O.C. Register

When Detmers is on, he can reach the potential that Washington is familiar with and the 24-year-old is confident that he can be counted on and that he isn't just the pitcher who had a rough first Cactus League outing.

“I feel like I’m the same person, that same guy,” Detmers said. “I mean, it’s one start. One start at the very beginning of spring training. … I just kind of had a lot of adrenaline and was ready to get after it there. I’ll come back next week fine.”

Reid Detmers via O.C. Register

Detmers was much better in his second start on Wednesday, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out six across three innings pitched.