Mike Mayers had been a solid contributor to the Los Angeles Angels bullpen for a few years heading into last season, but in his third year with the club he struggled mightily, becoming an option they couldn’t rely on.
From 2020-’21, Mayers posted a combined 3.34 ERA in 101 games (105 innings pitched), including a 3.37 FIP, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
But in 2022, he got off to a rough start, allowing five earned runs through his first two outings and recording just two outs on eight batters. But he seemed to figure it out over his next 16 innings pitched, carrying a 2.81 ERA and a 3.92 FIP.
However, the Angels designated him for assignment on May 26 and outrighted him to Triple-A with the Salt Lake Bees the following week. His problems weren’t fixed in the Minor Leagues, but he continued to tinker, and it showed in the form of a 6.27 ERA over 33 innings pitched while allowing seven homers.
His final shot with the Angels came in the form of some long-relief outings during August and September. But the results weren’t pretty as he allowed five earned runs on three different occasions, including 11 homers (22 ER) in 34 innings.
The Angels tried to send him to Triple-A on Oct. 2, but he ultimately elected free agency. Mayers finished the season with a 5.68 ERA in 50.2 innings, allowing a .259 opposing batting average.
Mike Mayer 2022 highlight
Mayers had his best performance of his dismal season on Aug. 24 when tossed five innings of shutout ball, recording five strikeouts against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was his third start of the season and only his 11th outing without allowing an earned run.
2023 outlook
Mayers signed a Minor League contract with the Kansas City Royals in the offseason with an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.
Entering his eighth season in MLB, Mayers will need to bottle up some slight success he had this past year if he wants to continue pitching in the majors. It would not be surprising to see him open the year with the Royals in Triple-A, but he should see some time at the Major League level thanks to his experience.
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