HOUSTON — In most years, Kevin Pillar might not play in these season-closing games. The Angels (62-92) have long been eliminated from postseason contention, and the 35-year-old sprained his left thumb Sept. 7.
It’s normally a time when younger players play out the string. Yet, this isn’t a normal season for Pillar. The 12-year MLB veteran has said this could be his final season, and the Angels have injuries piling up among prospects.
That includes center fielder Jordyn Adams, who was scratched with knee soreness just before Friday’s first pitch. That forced Pillar back into action as a starter. Earlier in the day, the Angels activated Pillar with plans of using him off the bench – but he pivoted to a larger role and thrived, blasting a home run in Friday’s close loss and making a sliding catch to end an inning.
Earlier, Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman made a leaping catch to rob Pillar of what looked like a line-drive double. “I don’t have the luxury of time,” Pillar said. “With what we went through the last few days (including a nagging hand bruise for outfielder Mickey Moniak) and having a thin bench, I just felt it was the right decision.
I’ve played with worse. I’ve played at less than 100%, and I just felt it was important for me to get back on the field as soon as possible, and be available.” Pillar, whose contract expires after 2024, said his uncertain personal future was “100%” a factor.
“If I knew there was a guarantee of wha.