Kyle Kubitza is eager to improve before next big-league stint with Angels
Angels third baseman Kyle Kubitza fields a bunt but doesn’t have time to make the throw to first base to get the runner during a game against the Diamondbacks on June 16.
Kyle Kubitza was at the plate Sunday when Seattle Mariners reliever Tom Wilhelmsen unleashed a wild pitch that allowed the winning run to score in a 3-2 Angels victory.
Less than an hour later, the rookie was packing his bags after being optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake.
Kubitza, who had been called up June 10, batted .207, drove in a run and struck out 13 times in 29 at-bats in his first stint with the Angels.
Kubitza, 24, said he experienced “a lot of firsts.”
“Anytime you’re doing that in the big leagues it’s good,” he said. “So, hopefully, get down, get better and come back up here and be ready to play.”
Kubitza had entered Sunday’s game as a pinch-runner for David Freese in the seventh inning, and he scored on a single by pinch-hitter Erick Aybar. Kubitza struck out against Joe Beimel in the eighth and he came up again in the 10th after the Mariners intentionally walked Mike Trout to load the bases and Albert Pujols hit into a double play.
The count was 2-2 when Wilhelmsen’s pitch got past catcher Mike Zunino.
“Just trying to find a good pitch to hit,” Kubitza said. “I don’t do very good hitting those ones in the dirt, so luckily I didn’t swing at that one.”
Twitter: @LATimesklein
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
