ANAHEIM, Calif. — A day after nine members of the Angels were suspended for their roles in Sunday’s fight against the Mariners, the team revealed that Archie Bradley will suffer the most.
The Angels relief pitcher tripped going over the dugout railing when the fight began, bracing himself with his hand and suffering a fractured right elbow. He won’t be able to throw for at least four weeks, and the total time he’ll miss could end up being “a couple months,” head athletic trainer Mike Frostad said on Tuesday.
Bradley was not available in the Angels’ clubhouse when it was open to the media on Tuesday.
Bradley, 29, has a 4.82 ERA in 21 games this season, but he’s been pitching better after a rough first five games. Bradley has a 2.08 ERA since April 24, holding opponents to a .196 batting average.
“Obviously, the way he’s been throwing the ball recently and what he brings to the clubhouse every day, it’s a big loss,” Angels acting manager Ray Montgomery said.
Further depleting the Angels’ bullpen depth, right-hander Jimmy Herget suffered a setback in his rehab from a shoulder impingement. Herget was shut down after feeling more discomfort when he tried to throw, Frostad said.
The Angels are also going to be without closer Raisel Iglesias and setup man Ryan Tepera at some point, because each was suspended for their roles in the fight. Tepera (three games) and Iglesias (two) each appealed their suspensions, so they remain active until a decision is rendered. Right-hander Andrew Wantz is serving his three-game suspension right now, so he’ll be back after the current series.
The only good news relating to the Angels’ bullpen depth is that right-hander Austin Warren began his rehab assignment at Triple-A on Tuesday. Warren, who is out with a right triceps strain, is expected to pitch in “a few” games, Frostad said.
Nevin’s perspective
Manager Phil Nevin, who served the first game of his 10-game suspension on Monday night, said it was difficult to watch the Angels’ 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Nevin, who watched from the baseball operations suite below the press box. “It was harder. More nerve-wracking. It was tough being up there. The way the guys played and responded and the job the staff did, I was proud of everybody.”
Nevin is still permitted to be around the team during pregame activities and participate fully in planning for the game. He just has to vacate the clubhouse and dugout before the first pitch.
Nevin’s suspension will be over when the Angels play the third game of the four-game series next weekend in Baltimore. That means Nevin will be able to watch the first two games of the series against his son, Tyler, without also being consumed with managing.
“I joked that I always wanted to just see a game of him playing first,” Nevin said, “so I guess the timing works out for that. That’s the only positive.”
Nevin declined to give his opinion on the suspension itself.
Montgomery will manage eight of the 10 games during Nevin’s suspension. However, Montgomery also has to serve a two-game suspension that will include Sunday’s game in Houston and Tuesday’s game in Miami. The Angels haven’t announced who will manage those games.
Notes
Infielder David Fletcher (hip surgery) is expected to take batting practice on the field sometime this week. The Angels will bring him on the upcoming trip, Frostad said. Fletcher said he expects to be activated just after the All-Star break, if not sooner. …
Infielder Matt Duffy (back) will also travel with the Angels on this trip. Frostad said they are hoping he could be activated by the end of the trip. …
Infielder Michael Stefanic returned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday after being out with a quadriceps injury for about three weeks. With third baseman Anthony Rendon out for the season and the Angels’ other major league infielders struggling, there appears to be an opportunity for Stefanic if he performs well at Triple-A. He had an .838 OPS at Triple-A before he was hurt. …
Outfielder Juan Lagares cleared waivers and reported to Triple-A. The Angels designated Lagares for assignment after he posted a .460 OPS in 20 big league games.
