Los Angeles Angels pitcher Chris Devenski is relishing a second chance after battling multiple arm injuries, including Tommy John surgery. After dealing with injuries for the last three years, he signed a minor league deal with the Angels. He has said he is happy to be playing for his hometown team, having grown up an Angels fan.
Struggled in Recent Years
The 32-year-old right-hander was once a top reliever with the Houston Astros. In five years with them, he appeared in 225 games and had an ERA of 3.35. Devenski was injured at the end of the 2020 season, and was not offered a contract. The Arizona Diamondbacks signed him in 2021, but after eight games his season ended due to an injury. He struggled last year with an 8.59 ERA in 14 2/3 innings. He pitched for both the Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies, and once again was not offered a contract.
Contract with Angels
Chris Devenski is getting a second chance after signing a minor league contract with the team this past November. The one-year deal included an invitation to spring training with a chance to earn a spot on the major league roster. Although he did not make the Opening Day roster, he decided to remain with the organization in hopes he would get to pitch for his hometown team, and reported to Triple-A Salt Lake.
His Call-Up
The right-hander was called up on April 29 after Jose Quijada, who is expected miss the rest of the season, went on the IL. Since his call-up, Devenski has appeared in 13 games with 16 2/3 innings and is holding a 2.70 ERA. His fastball averages close to 94 mph, and his changeup has been effective against both left and right-handed hitters. He has been using a three-pitch selection to keep hitters off balance, mixing in his slider with the changeup and fastball.
He Will be Needed
The Angels lost southpaw Matt Moore after he suffered an oblique injury, and had to be placed on the IL. At first considered a minor injury, it now appears there is no timeline for his return. The other left-hander who has seen action is Aaron Loup. He, however, has struggled with a 6.75 ERA and has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
“Devo” will be needed as a specialist against left-handed hitters out of the bullpen because he has been successful against them. The loss of Moore and Loup leaves the team without a consistent left-handed presence in their bullpen. Right now, he’s somebody that the Angels will rely on heavily to provide that shut-down inning.
Rediscovering His Old Form
Chris Devenski is relishing a second chance. The Angels currently find themselves around the .500 mark and having another dependable reliever only helps. If they find themselves out of a playoff spot, it is possible a contending team would make a trade for him if he is still pitching well. If he continues to rediscover the effectiveness that made him one of the top relievers when he was with the Astros, it will certainly be a nice added bonus.
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Los Angeles Angels
