HOUSTON -- Keynan Middleton has emerged as the latest bright spot in the Angels' overachieving bullpen.
The 23-year-old rookie right-hander has earned more of a late-inning role with the Halos after logging a 0.96 ERA over his last 11 games, allowing just one run over 9 1/3 innings with two walks and 11 strikeouts. Since being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on May 5, Middleton has gradually seen his workload in high-leverage situations increase and has recently appeared in games to protect slim leads or ties.
During the Angels' series against the Tigers earlier this week, Middleton recorded the first two holds of his nascent career, marks that reflect his development as a reliever.