SEATTLE — Luis Garcia is still working to erase the first impression he made on Angels fans this season.
The right-handed reliever did not strike out any of the four batters he faced in his season debut March 30 in Baltimore. He was charged with four runs, three earned.
Two months later, Garcia still has a nondescript 4.26 ERA in 25 1/3 innings. However, seven of the 12 earned runs he allowed came in just two games, including his season debut.
Of his 27 matches, 20 of them were goalless. In 13 of his outings – more than half – he struck out every batter he faced. In April, he had a stretch in which he struck out 18 straight batters. After a scoreless outing Friday night, Garcia retired 15 of the last 16 batters he faced.
“After the first game, I was making adjustments and trying to get better every time,” Garcia said Saturday.
Garcia, 37, signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million last winter after posting a 3.62 ERA in his previous three seasons.
“The good thing about what’s happening now is he’s hitting the strike zone,” Angels manager Ron Washington said.
Garcia also rediscovered a certain velocity. A few weeks ago, he had back-to-back games in which his average fastball was over 97 mph. He hit 99 mph three times in a single game.
“It shows he’s there,” Garcia said of the speed. “That doesn’t worry me. I’m more focused on getting people out. If it’s there, it’s there. I just worry about my throws, not how hard I throw.
Garcia also proved durable. The Angels used it repeatedly three days out of four. On May 22 in Houston, he pitched a perfect ninth to close out a one-run victory as he pitched for the fourth time in five days.
“That’s one part we’re trying to stop,” Washington said. “If that’s the case, by July or August he’ll be done.”
The Angels might have extra motivation to protect Garcia. If he pitches well in July, he could be a good trade chip.
SCHANUEL OUT
First baseman Nolan Schanuel, who was out of the lineup for a second straight day because of soreness in his left thumb, said an MRI scan confirmed there was no injury. He therefore hopes that the pain will subside enough for him to be able to play on Sunday.
Schanuel said he injured his thumb hitting the pitcher May 22 in Houston.
It’s no coincidence that Schanuel had hit .333 in the eight games preceding this incident, and he’s hit .111 since.
“I tried to get through it,” he said. “You use your hands in everything you do in baseball. They are the ones who are mistreated the most, especially when they are blocked.
Willie Calhoun served as the Angels’ backup first baseman, even though he had never played the position in the majors before this season. Washington said Calhoun held his own on the field.
“He handled the opportunities,” Washington said. “He hasn’t been charged with anything serious yet, and I hope it stays that way.”
REMARKS
The Angels’ 13 one-run losses are the most in the majors. They have won six games by one point. …
Outfielder Kevin Pillar entered Saturday’s game with a 13-game hitting streak, which was the longest of his career. …
The Angels have hit at least one home run in 48 games, which is the most in the majors.
FOLLOWING
Angels (RHP Griffin Canning, 2-4, 5.08) vs. Mariners (RHP Luis Castillo, 4-6, 3.28) at T-Mobile Park, 1:10 p.m. PT Sunday, Bally Sports West, 8:30 a.m.
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