Angels’ bullpen gets the job done
ARLINGTON, Texas — Alex Cobb got an arm around the shoulder when he returned to the dugout. Chris Rodriguez got pats on the head.
Such was the contrast between the Angels’ starting pitcher and bulk reliever on Wednesday night. Cobb looked shaky over just two innings, getting a quick hook after yielding three runs. But Rodriguez was stellar, pitching 31⁄3 scoreless innings of relief on a night the Angels’ bullpen lifted the team to 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers.
At first, it looked like the Angels (12-11) might roll to a rubber-match win at Globe Life Field. They scored four runs in the top of the first on two-RBI singles from Anthony Rendon and José Iglesias, then escaped a jam in the bottom of the inning with Cobb giving up only one run.
But after Cobb got in trouble again in the second, surrendering two more runs while failing to fool the Rangers lineup, Angels manager Joe Maddon took a gamble. He handed the game over to the bullpen, asking the relievers to protect a one-run lead over the final seven innings.
“Alex was not going to go much more deeply into the game,” Maddon said. “I went up to him after the second and said, ‘I don’t think it’s going to get a whole lot better.’ He agreed with me.
“It just wasn’t coming out as hot. He knew it. We could see it from the side. No deception or swing-and-miss. So save the bullets for next time out.”
When Maddon delivered the news, he put his arm around Cobb’s shoulder, unsure how the 10-year veteran might react. However, Cobb didn’t protest, understanding the decision even if he felt capable of continuing.
“I actually felt like in the second inning I was starting to feel it a little bit,” Cobb said. “But it was obviously the right move by Joe to go to C-Rod there and get us the win.”
Rodriguez was summoned first, adding to what is quickly becoming an impressive rookie season with another scoreless outing. Tony Watson got five straight outs after that. Mike Mayers and Raisel Iglesias shut the door in the eighth and ninth, respectively.
Iglesias picked up his fourth save and Rodriguez was credited with his second win.
“I’m going to do what the team wants, what the team needs for us to win,” Rodriguez said. “That’s what my job is. That’s what I did.”
Rodriguez walked his first batter, Nate Lowe, but settled down. The next two Rangers grounded into fielder’s choices. Then Lowe was caught stealing to end the third.
Rodriguez retired the side in the fourth and fifth innings and was removed after giving up a one-out single in the sixth.
In 142⁄3 innings this season, the right-hander has a 2.45 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.
“He straightened that game out for us,” Maddon said, adding: “[He] continues to grow. … Great composure. Everything was working. Attacked with his fastball. Loved everything about it.”
Short hops
Catcher Max Stassi (thumb sprain) was reinstated from the injured list after a 16-day absence. He went 0 for 3. … Outfielder Dexter Fowler underwent left knee ACL reconstruction surgery Tuesday and will begin a six- to ninemonth recovery process.