Grissom's Clutch Hits
Angels' Vaughn Grissom Excels in Clutch Situations, Showing Early and Late-Game Prowess
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Vaughn Grissom has quietly become one of the Los Angeles Angels' most reliable hitters in tight situations. The second baseman owns a 1.069 OPS in "late and close" situations — defined as the seventh inning or later when the game is tied, the batting team leads by one, or the tying run is at least on deck — according to OC Register.
Grissom has driven in four runs in those clutch moments, a number that understates how often he comes through when it matters most. His ability to stay calm under pressure has drawn praise from Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, who says the young infielder simply knows how to control his emotions.
Grissom's Clutch Numbers Stand Out on a Struggling Team
A 1.069 OPS is elite by any measure. To put it simply, OPS combines how often a player gets on base with how hard he hits. League average sits around .700. Grissom's mark in late-and-close spots far exceeds that, according to Daily News.
What makes the numbers more impressive is that Grissom's clutch ability does not disappear early in games, either. He brings that same focus from the first pitch to the last. The Angels have struggled as a team in 2025, making his consistent production a rare bright spot.
Manager Kurt Suzuki Points to Emotional Control
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki has a clear explanation for what makes Grissom tick in big moments. Suzuki credits the young player's ability to keep his emotions in check and stay composed no matter the situation, according to SB Sun.
That kind of mental discipline is rare, especially for a player still establishing himself in the majors. Grissom does not appear to speed up when the game is on the line. Instead, he slows down, sticks to his approach, and trusts his swing.
Trade Deadline Looms Large for the Angels
With less than 10 days until the August 3 trade deadline, the Angels face big decisions. Expectations are high that the front office could make significant moves, according to Daily Breeze. The team must decide which players fit its future and which could bring back prospects.
Grissom's clutch hitting could make him either a key piece to build around or an attractive trade chip. Players who produce in high-pressure spots carry real value around the deadline. How the Angels view his role going forward will shape what moves they make.
Ben Joyce's Return Timeline Still Unclear
Separately, the Angels are also working through questions about right-handed pitcher Ben Joyce. The team has not decided whether it wants Joyce to pitch in back-to-back games at Triple-A before calling him back up to the majors, according to Daily News.
The cautious approach suggests the Angels are not rushing Joyce back. Building up his arm at the minor league level first is the safer path. His return could give the bullpen a boost at a critical time, but only when the team feels he is truly ready.
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