Reid Detmers Is 0-2 Against Cleveland and the Angels Are Running Out of Time to Fix It

The Los Angeles Angels are in full collapse mode, and their ace has a problem he can't seem to shake. Reid Detmers gets another crack at the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday afternoon, but the numbers tell a brutal story: he's been absolutely shelled in Cleveland, posting a 7.08 ERA with zero wins in five career appearances at that ballpark. The Angels have lost 17 of their last 22 games since April 18, and if there was ever a moment to turn things around, it's now.

Detmers Keeps Getting Lit Up in Cleveland

Here's the damage Detmers has done to himself in the Guardians' house: 16 earned runs in 20 1/3 innings across five starts, sitting at an ugly 0-2 record. Expand that to all matchups against Cleveland, and his overall record drops to 1-3 with a 5.87 ERA in eight games. Most recently, Detmers lasted just 3 2/3 innings against Toronto on May 8, walking six batters in a 2-0 loss. Coming back as a starter this year after time in the bullpen, the left-hander is 1-3 overall with a 4.33 ERA. The Guardians, meanwhile, are clicking. They're atop the American League Central and won their last two games, including a 3-2 victory Tuesday where Cade Smith recorded his 12th save and moved into a tie for the major league lead.

Cleveland's Closer Is Thriving, and LA Needs Answers Fast

The Guardians look locked in heading into Wednesday's afternoon matchup. Parker Messick (4-1, 2.30 ERA) takes the mound for Cleveland against Detmers, and Messick came within three outs of a no-hitter against Baltimore on April 16. He just beat the Minnesota Twins on May 8, allowing one run in 5 2/3 innings.

For the Angels, there's one glimmer of hope on the horizon. Grayson Rodriguez, acquired from Baltimore in the offseason after right elbow surgery to remove bone spurs, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024. He's been sidelined since March 22 with right shoulder inflammation but threw 11 strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings in a rehab game for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on May 10. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Rodriguez's next start being in Los Angeles "is on the table." "Once we get back home and talk to the general manager and pitching coaches, we'll see what the best solution for Grayson and the team is," Suzuki said. Rodriguez could be the spark LA desperately needs, but first they have to survive Wednesday against a Guardians team that's not giving teams much to work with.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.