Trying to make a push for the second wild card in the American League, the Los Angeles Angels’ chances were dealt a blow when closer Huston Street went down with a groin injury on Saturday night.
Now, things are not looking good for Street as the early outlook on his injury is “not good,” as Angels Manager Mike Scioscia told Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times.
Trying to cover first base in the top of the 9th inning, Street collapsed in pain and was not able to walk off the field under his own power. While it’s not the first time that Street has gone down with injury this season, it’s easily the most inopportune time for it to happen.
On the season, the 32-year-old veteran closer has pitched to a 3.18 ERA while racking up 40 saves through 62-and-one-third innings. Those numbers are somewhat compromised by Street missing just under two weeks with a groin injury in July, as Shaikin mentions.
On Sunday, Scioscia told Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles times that Streeet’s injury is “significant.”
Scioscia said Huston Street groin injury is “significant.” Will have MRI today. #Angels
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) September 27, 2015
With just one week left in the regular season, suffering an injury that your manager describe as “significant” does not bode well for an athlete’s chances to return to the team contribute. Scioscia turned out to be right.
Street told reporters, including Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register that he suffered a Grade 1 groin strain, ending his regular season.
Huston Street said he has a Grade 1 groin strain. Won’t be back in regular season. Longer Angels can go into Oct, better his chances.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) September 27, 2015
If the Angels can continue on their hot streak and into the playoffs, Fletcher’s tweet suggests that Street could become a viable option for the team then. But the Angels have to get their first and they still have a week to get there.
As far as who will fill in for Street, Shaikin wrote in the original article that the Angels will try a closer-by-committee system. Right-hander Joe Smith is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, meaning he isn’t available. That leaves rookie Trevor Gottt as the Angels’ closer. The 23-year-old has a 3.07 ERA in 44 innings this season.
With six games remaining, the Angels (81-74) are still well within striking distance of the second wildcard spot, sitting a half game back of the Houston Astros.
[Images by Stephen Dunn/ Getty Images]
