Samy

Natera Jr.

Natera returns to Los Angeles’ relief mix after missing a couple weeks with back spasms. Hard-throwing Ben Joyce is probably going to hang onto the closer role, but Natera could vulture the occasional save chance against left-handed lineups.

Assuming Natera’s rehab assignment goes well, he should be a potential late-inning option for the Angels in early September.

Flame-thrower Ben Joyce has taken over as the Angels’ primary ninth-inning option since Natera hit the injured list with back spasms last week. The 26-year-old figures to make it back to Los Angeles’ high-leverage mix in a couple weeks.

It’s unclear how long the Angels expect the 26-year-old southpaw to be sidelined for, but he’ll miss a couple of weeks at a minimum. Sammy Peralta was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move on Thursday to take Natera’s place in the Halos’ bullpen.

Natera got the call in the ninth inning to close out the game against the Rangers with a one-run lead. He tossed a perfect frame, striking out two batters to convert the save. The 26-year-old right-hander is gaining momentum in the Angels’ bullpen, converting his third save with a 2.00 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a 42/10 K/BB ratio across 27 innings.

The left-hander has been lights out this year, with 38 strikeouts and an 0.88 WHIP in 25 innings pitched over 21 appearances. Ben Joyce pitched yesterday and the Angels would probably rather have Natera available for heavy left-handed parts of the order, but Natera is pitching so well that he might be the man to roster if Joyce can’t establish himself as the closer after a long layoff. Even right-handers are hitting just .152/.220/.304 against Natera.

Natera came in with two on and Nick Kurtz pinch-hitting in the eighth and got a mile-high, 109.9 mph fly to end the Athletics’ threat. He then stayed in with more lefties up in the ninth and retired three in a row after Lawrence Butler’s single to start the inning. The 26-year-old Natera has opened his big-league career by allowing one run in 9 1/3 innings. He probably won’t become the Angels’ closer, but he could continue to be mixed in when lefties are due up in the ninth.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for the 26-year-old southpaw. Natera registered a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 44/18 K/BB ratio over 30 innings in 20 appearances at Triple-A Salt Lake. He’ll serve in a middle relief role for the Angels.