SPORTS

Anaheim rookie Ureña shines despite Angels bullpen collapse

PUBLISHED Jul 28, 2026, 2:59 AM ET

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ANAHEIM -- Los Angeles Angels rookie right-hander Walbert Ureña turned in another impressive outing on Monday, further solidifying his status as one of the club’s few bright spots in an otherwise difficult season. Facing the Houston Astros in the series opener at Angel Stadium, Ureña worked six solid innings and continued the consistent form that has marked his emergence in the Angels’ rotation. His performance kept the game close and gave Los Angeles a chance to open the set on a positive note before the late innings unraveled. The Angels’ bullpen could not preserve the effort, and the Astros rallied in the ninth inning to hand Los Angeles a 6-4 defeat. Relievers José Fermin and Sam Bachman combined to allow four runs in the final frame, turning a tight contest into a loss and leaving Ureña with a tough-luck no-decision despite his effective start. The setback underscored the team’s ongoing struggles to support strong starting pitching, even as Ureña’s emergence has provided a rare source of optimism in a challenging campaign.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

This season Ureña emerges standout rookie
Monday Ureña throws six solid innings
Monday Angels host Astros series opener
Late in game bullpen starts struggling
Ninth inning Fermin, Bachman allow four
Ninth inning Angels lose lead late
Final score recorded as 6-4 Astros
After game Ureña credited tough no-decision

News Intelligence

Ureña's performance is a bright spot in a tough Angels season. If you're a fan, it's heartening to see a rookie step up. It's a reminder that even in challenging times, there's potential for growth and talent to shine. Keep an eye on Ureña's future games.