Angels LHP Reid Detmers Eager to Prove Worth as Starter vs. Astros

Detmers looks to build on bullpen success in return to Angels' rotation

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:22pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.A cubist interpretation of Angels pitcher Reid Detmers' return to the starting rotation, deconstructing his delivery into a dynamic geometric composition.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers will try to take advantage of his latest opportunity as a major-league starting pitcher when he takes the mound against the Astros in Houston on Saturday night. Detmers, who lost his starting role in 2024 after going 4-9 with a 6.70 ERA, is looking to transfer the lessons he learned coming out of the bullpen last season to his starting role.

Why it matters

The Angels are off to a 2-0 start, their best opening to a season since 2007, and Detmers' performance could be key to maintaining that momentum against a tough Astros team. Detmers has struggled against the Astros in his career, going 1-4 with a 7.83 ERA, so this start will be an important test of his development.

The details

Detmers, 26, said he spent the offseason trying to figure out why he had more success out of the bullpen than as a starter, noting that he had trouble 'putting guys away' when starting in the past. Angels GM Perry Minasian is excited about Detmers' potential, saying he's 'primed for a big year' after showing flashes of brilliance, including a no-hitter in 2022.

  • Detmers will take the mound against the Astros on Saturday night.
  • Detmers lost his starting role after going 4-9 with a 6.70 ERA in 17 starts in 2024.
  • Detmers made 67 appearances out of the bullpen last season and was more effective, going 5-3 with a 3.96 ERA.

The players

Reid Detmers

A 26-year-old left-hander for the Los Angeles Angels who is looking to prove his worth as a starting pitcher after struggling in that role in the past.

Perry Minasian

The general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who is excited about Detmers' potential and believes he is 'primed for a big year'.

Mike Trout

The star outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, who has started the season hot, going 4-for-6 with two home runs and four walks.

Cristian Javier

The right-handed starting pitcher for the Houston Astros, who has had success against the Angels in his career, posting a 5-1 record and 2.93 ERA in 13 appearances (nine starts).

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What they’re saying

“I'm looking forward to it. I feel like I learned a lot coming out of the bullpen that I can transfer over to starting. I'm just ready to get back there and have some fun. I'm not trying to overthink or anything. Just go out and have fun and see what happens.”

— Reid Detmers

“Detmers coming back in the rotation, I'm really excited about that. I feel like he's primed for a big year. We've seen him in the rotation in the past. We've seen him have great (games). He threw a no-hitter (vs. Tampa Bay in 2022). So there's significant upside there.”

— Perry Minasian, Angels General Manager

“I feel very good. The most important thing is I feel confident in myself and I feel very healthy right now.”

— Cristian Javier

What’s next

Detmers will look to build on his strong spring training performance and prove he can be an effective starting pitcher for the Angels as they continue their series against the Astros.

The takeaway

Detmers' return to the Angels' starting rotation is a crucial test for the young left-hander, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency in the past. If he can translate his bullpen success to the starting role, it could be a major boost for the Angels as they look to contend in the AL West.