Kenley Jansen's Struggles And Injury Plague Sink Los Angeles Angels To AL West Last Place

Michael

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Kenley Jansen's Struggles and Injury Plague Sink Los Angeles Angels to AL West Last Place

The Los Angeles Angels' 2023 season has been a monumental disappointment, culminating in their current position: dead last in the AL West. While numerous factors contribute to this dismal performance, the struggles of veteran closer Kenley Jansen and a pervasive injury plague have undeniably played a significant role in the team's downfall.

The Angels entered the season with high hopes, bolstered by the continued presence of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. However, their pitching woes, largely exacerbated by Jansen's underperformance and the team's injury crisis, have overshadowed any offensive successes.

Jansen's Disastrous Season: Signed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal in the offseason, Jansen was expected to solidify the Angels' bullpen. Instead, he's been a major liability. His ERA, currently hovering around [insert current ERA], is far from the dominant numbers he posted during his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's struggled with command, surrendering numerous home runs and exhibiting a noticeable lack of the sharp breaking ball that once defined his pitching repertoire. This has resulted in blown saves and a significant loss of confidence, impacting not only his own performance but also the morale of the entire bullpen. Analysts point to a possible decline in velocity and effectiveness of his cutter as contributing factors to his struggles.

A Season of Injuries: Beyond Jansen's individual struggles, the Angels have been ravaged by injuries. Key players, including [mention key injured players and their positions], have spent significant time on the injured list, leaving gaping holes in the lineup and pitching rotation. This constant shuffling of the roster has disrupted team chemistry and prevented the development of any consistent on-field synergy. The lack of depth within the organization has further exacerbated the impact of these injuries.

Impact on the Team's Performance: The combined effect of Jansen's poor performance and the widespread injuries has been devastating. The Angels' bullpen, once considered a strength, has become a source of constant anxiety. Their pitching staff as a whole is struggling to keep opponents' scores down, leading to a high number of losses and a demoralizing last-place standing in the division. This poor performance has not only disappointed fans but also casts a shadow on the team's management and scouting strategies.

Looking Ahead: A Difficult Road to Recovery: The Angels face a difficult challenge in the remaining games of the season. While a playoff run is highly improbable at this point, the focus should shift towards evaluating the team's weaknesses and making necessary changes for the future. This includes a thorough assessment of the pitching staff, addressing the underlying causes of Jansen's struggles, and improving the team’s injury prevention and management strategies. Investing in depth within the organization will be crucial for preventing a repeat of this season’s failures.

Keywords: Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Angels, AL West, MLB, baseball, injuries, pitching, bullpen, closer, Shohei Ohtani, blown saves, ERA, season review, sports news.

Call to Action (subtle): Stay tuned for further updates on the Los Angeles Angels' performance and the future of Kenley Jansen as the season progresses. [Link to Angels' official website or a relevant sports news site]