It's a small world in Angels' bullpen

After a horrible start, the Angels' bullpen has rebounded nicely. In fact, despite having their scoreless-inning streak snapped at 27 in Monday's series opener with the Rangers, Angels relievers lead the American League with a collective 2.29 ERA. And in its last 11 games, the bullpen has allowed two earned runs in 32 2/3 innings.

But that's not the only thing that sets it apart. With its seven relievers hailing from five countries, the Angels bullpen may be the most international in baseball as well.

The quartet of relievers the Angels marched to the mound Sunday to save Dan Haren's win hailed from Japan (Hisanori Takahashi), Mexico (Fernando Rodriguez), the Dominican Republic (Fernando Rodney) and the U.S. (Jordan Walden). Then the first man out of the pen Monday was Australian Rich Thompson.

ALSO:

Angels' Scott Kazmir to work on mechanics

Angels working their way back from injuries

-- Kevin Baxter in Arlington, Texas

Photo: Jordan Walden. Credit: Jerry Lai / US Presswire