The Toronto Blue Jays were in good shape for seven-and-a-half innings on Tuesday. Then, the Los Angeles Angels exploded for six runs in the bottom of the eighth to help secure an 8-3 victory.
Right-handed reliever Jose Fermin pitched a shutout ninth inning for the Angels (14-20), who were unexpectedly without closer Kenley Jansen. Fermin has now allowed five runs across four innings as a rookie this season.
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Jansen was technically available, but Los Angeles manager Ron Washington went with the unproven option over the established veteran. The skipper explained why after the game, via SoCal News Group’s Jeff Fletcher.
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74).Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
“Kenley Jansen was ‘under the weather’ tonight, Wash said. He should be fine tomorrow,” he reported. “Also, [outfielder Gustavo] Campero is day to day.”
Campero exited the game in the sixth inning due to left ankle irritation and was replaced by Jo Adell.
Jansen (0-1) has converted all seven of his save opportunities this season, but has a 5.79 ERA in 10 appearances. The 37-year-old is the active MLB career saves leader with 454 and is in his first year with the Angels after spending the last two with the Boston Red Sox.
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The Blue Jays (16-19) used seven pitchers in the game, starting with right-hander José Ureña, who made his debut with the team. The 33-year-old allowed two runs in 4.1 innings before Chad Green, Mason Fluharty, and Dillon Tate tossed a scoreless 2.2 frames. However, Yimi Garcia and Jeff Hoffman allowed a combined six runs in just 0.2 innings.
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