When the All-Star reserves were announced on Sunday afternoon, no one was more disappointed to be snubbed than this Angels pitcher.
Carlos Estevez has gone under-the-radar this season as one of the best relief pitchers in baseball. He has the fourth most saves in the American League and sixth most in the MLB.
Unfortunately for Estevez, he was not selected to the AL All-Star team.
“It’s crazy, but it is what it is,” Estevez said. “It sucks, but they picked their guys. I don’t know what else I have to do.”
Estevez leads the Angels bullpen with a 1.85 ERA is amongst the top ten in the AL for the stat. On top of that, he has stuck out 42 batters in only 34 innings pitched.
No one is more disappointed for Estevez than manager Phil Nevin.
“That one’s a tough one for me,” Nevin said. “As far as closers go … I’m not sure what it takes to be deserving. I’m certainly happy to have him on my side now. Things can change throughout the week and hopefully he gets a chance to go.”
The relievers that did make the team over Estevez are more than deserving to get their spot.
Orioles' relievers Yennier Cano and Felix Bautista both made the team as the are number one and two in the American League for ERA.
Guardians' flamethrower, Emmanuel Clase also made the team as he is in the top three for ERA and strikeouts.
The door is not closed for Estevez to make the team. If an injury occurs or any players back out of the game, Estevez could be in Seattle.
If he does, he will be the third Angel there with Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
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