Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers is expected to slide back into the rotation in 2026 after being moved to the bullpen for the entirety of 2025, general manager Perry Minasian suggested.
Since making his debut in 2021, the southpaw started in each of his appearances until 2025, when he entered from the bullpen 61 times. Detmers found his rhythm again in the bullpen, lowering his 2024 ERA of 6.70 as a starter to 3.96 in 2025.
The 26-year-old’s 2025 campaign came to a premature end due to elbow inflammation. Luckily, no structural damage was found after undergoing an MRI exam. He remains optimistic about his recovery as the Angels begin their offseason.
“It’s just going to be a normal offseason. We're doing the rehab and stuff every day,” Detmers said. “I'll be ready for Spring Training. Not too worried about it. There's nothing really going on. Just some achiness.”
The offseason may end up being a little different for Detmers, as he is now expected to return to the Halos’ starting rotation next season after a year removed. He made his desires about returning to the rotation clear, and his wishes are being granted after a bounce-back season of being one of the Angels’ most reliable arms. In 63 ⅔ innings in relief this season, Detmers struck out 80 batters and posted a WHIP of 1.30.
After a slow start to the 2025 season, Detmers brought it all together from the start of summer, recording a 2.45 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 41 games since June 1st. Detmers said he learned how to better prepare his mind and body as the season progressed, believing it will also translate to a return as a starter.
Detmers’ return to the rotation doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the Angels only have two other players locked as starters for 2026. Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano are the only two players known to be for sure in the 2026 rotation as starters. 2025 Angels starters Tyler Anderson and Kyle Hendricks are set to hit free agency, with Hendricks also considering retirement.
The path back to the starting rotation has been paved for Detmers, and he earned it with his 2025 season. The lefty has been hungry for his chance as a starter, and he looks to make the most of the opportunity in 2026. The priority now, however, is getting his elbow healthy.