AL West Notes: Astros closer, Matt Shoemaker's starts

Houston made a big splash this winter, going out and traded for Phillies closer Ken Giles. He was supposed to lead the way for the Astros bullpen, with Luke Gregerson there for the 8th inning.

Things haven't quite worked out that way so far in 2016. Both Giles and Gregerson have been underwhelming, with neither running away with the role. That has forced manager A.J. Hinch to institute a closer-by-committee structure going forward with Gregerson, Giles and Will Harris as the three options.

Harris has been good for the Astros this season, sporting a .35 ERA and a .71 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 26 games.

More from around the American League West:

• The Angels aren't very good, and it's impacting their starting pitchers. Ever need a reason to tell your friends why wins don't matter? Point them towards Matt Shoemaker and his 3-7 record. This year, Shoemaker has 5 quality starts. Four of those five have been lost by the Angels. Not a recipe for success.
• Jurickson Profar is swinging a hot bat, and the Rangers have had to get creative to keep him in the lineup.
• Statistics aren't doing the A's any favors, as they show that Oakland is the worst defensive team in the majors.
• Seattle has suffered from their starting pitchers not being able to go deep into ballgames.