2020 Angels in review: Ty Buttrey

After a solid couple of years to begin his major-league career, Ty Buttrey had a season he would like to forget in 2020.

He appeared in 27 games, nearly half of the Angels’ games on the season. His year got off to a rough start, as he had three blown saves in his first four outings. In just five innings of work, he allowed four runs to score on seven hits. Buttrey only issued one strikeout in that time.

However, he did really settle down after that rough stretch to begin the season. Over his next eight games, he didn’t allow a run and closed the door on three games. In 8 ¹⁄₃ innings he allowed only four hits and struck out five. It looked as if he’d be turning a corner after his slow start to the season. His ERA was down to 2.70 and it looked as if he was on track to have the best season of his career.

Then, the wheels just completely fell off.

Over his next 14 games, Buttrey posted an ERA of 9.75. He was allowing one home run every three innings and batters were hitting .340 off him. During this stretch, it truly looked like batting practice out there.

Hopefully Buttrey can bounce back in 2021 and recapture his 2018 and 2019 seasons and become a reliable pitcher for the Angels again.

2020 particulars

Age: 27

Stats: 2-3, 5.81 ERA, 5 SV, 18 SO, 1.405 WHIP, 4.94 WHIP, 78 ERA+

Salary: $578,000

Game of the year

On August 22, Buttrey threw two innings for the only time all season. He threw two scoreless innings, striking out one on the road at Oakland. He didn’t issue a hit and struck out one.

Roster status

Buttrey has two years and 46 days of service time. He has two options remaining