Jake

Woods

Woods has a respectable 4.11 ERA this season, but that comes with a 39/36 K/BB ratio in 57 innings. He’s also been rather homer-prone in his career. It’s doubtful that he’ll last as a starter.

Woods was forced to throw more than 50 pitches in the first two innings, but he managed to strand a couple of runners in both frames and the Red Sox ran out of patience after that, going down in the next two innings on a total of 18 pitches. That was basically it for them. The three pitchers combined on a five-hitter. Woods is due to face the Angels next week for the second time in three starts. Although he pitched well against them last time out, he’s a risky play in AL-only leagues.

He gave up five hits and one walk while striking out a pair. Woods should remain in the rotation for now, but don’t let his 3.88 ERA fool you into thinking he’s worth a claim in AL-only formats. His 41/37 K/BB ratio is much more indicative of his true talent level, and he has a poor matchup against the Red Sox later this week.

“I don’t think we’re at the point to even say one way or the other whether or not we’re comfortable with him being a starter,” Hargrove said. “I’m comfortable every time he pitches. He hasn’t done anything to make us think he can’t start.” Okay, well that clears up that situation. While this sounds like an endorsement, it doesn’t really help us recommend Woods.

Barring a waiver claim or a minor trade, it appears Woods will get the bullpen spot that was probably going to go to Matt Hensley before his injury. It’s unlikely he’ll prove to be a long-term solution.

Woods had a 3.90 ERA in 27 2/3 innings for the Angels this season, so he was really just the odd man out in the Angels’ roster crunch. He has a future in a big league pen and will be back later in the season.

Woods has a 3.90 ERA in 27 2/3 innings for the Angels this season. He’ll be used in middle relief.

The Angels needed to free up a roster spot for Chris Bootcheck, who will start against the Yankees tomorrow.

Woods will get another look in middle relief, but it might be a short one with Mark Lowe a possibility to return next week.