Angels Option Former First Round Pick to Triple-A

The Los Angeles Angels optioned starting pitcher Reid Detmers to Triple-A after another rough outing on Saturday. In his start against the Seattle Mariners, Detmers allowed five runs, four hits, and four walks with three strikeouts in just 3 2/3 innings.

The Angels announced that they optioned Reid Detmers to Triple-A Salt Lake.

This is the second time Detmers has been optioned since throwing his no-hitter two years ago.

He has a 6.14 ERA on the season. And his last 8 starts have been a slog after pitching well in April.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) June 2, 2024

Overall for the season, the lefty has produced a 6.14 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 63 innings across 12 starts. The Angels expected Detmers to claim the top spot in the rotation this season. Instead, the former first-rounder will head to Triple-A Salt Lake in hopes of getting his season back on track.

Los Angeles Angels Option Reid Detmers to Triple-A

Detmers is considered one of the most talented arms in the game. The Angels selected him in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft and added him to the big league roster just over a year later. After being rushed to the big leagues at 21, Detmers predictably struggled.

In five starts down the stretch that year, the lefty tossed 20 2/3 innings and posted a 7.40 ERA (61 ERA+). The Angles rushed Detmers to the majors because of his talent and their desperate need for pitching. The lefty looked great in the minors, but many felt the quick promotion would hurt his development.

And though he struggled in 2021, Detmers has gone on to hold his own and flash his abilities. From 2022 to 2023, he tossed 277 2/3 innings over 53 starts. He also produced a very good strikeout rate (24.5 percent) and a just higher than league-average walk rate (9 percent).

His career highlight came on a May 10 outing in 2022 against the Tampa Bay Rays. On this night in Anaheim, Detmers pitched a no-hitter in his 11th Major League start. Unfortunately, he regressed over his next six starts (5.67 ERA) before the Angels optioned him to Triple-A.

Good move!

2022: 3.77 ERA
2023: 4.48 ERA
2024: 6.14 ERA

Reid Detmers really needs to work on his command. Especially ahead of the count. Way too many meatballs on 0-2 and 1-2 pitches, if not walks despite being ahead in the count. https://t.co/FJtBjqoJDr

— AngelsWin.com (@AngelsWin) June 2, 2024

To his credit, Detmers worked with the minor league staff to find and fix some mechanical issues. He returned to the majors a couple of weeks later and finished the season strong. In his final 13 starts, Detmers posted a 3.04 ERA with 78 punchouts and 25 walks in 71 innings.

After this performance, the Angels once again entered the next season expecting consistency and high-quality production from Detmers. And once again, Detmers was good, not great. He often validates high expectations by twirling gems. That said, he also disappoints with way too many clunkers.

This trend of inconsistency is normal for young pitchers. But in 2024, Detmers is 24 and in his fourth major league season. He’s capable of being a legitimate ace but has yet to develop and improve. Most will blame the Angels and the organization’s lack of player development culture/commitment/resources. However, Detmers deserves some of the blame and will hope the latest option from the Angels will be the last in his career.

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