Kenley Jansen's Struggles Exacerbate Angels' Injury Problems, Leading To AL West Cellar

Michael

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Kenley Jansen's Struggles Exacerbate Angels' Injury Crisis, Cementing AL West Cellar Dwellership

The Los Angeles Angels, once touted as a playoff contender, find themselves mired in the AL West cellar, a situation significantly worsened by the struggles of veteran closer Kenley Jansen and a crippling wave of injuries. The team's disappointing performance highlights the precarious balance between high expectations, aging stars, and a fragile pitching staff.

The Angels' woes extend far beyond just their record. While their offense has shown flashes of brilliance, spearheaded by Shohei Ohtani's continued MVP-caliber performance, the pitching staff has been decimated by injuries and inconsistent performances, a situation dramatically amplified by Jansen's struggles. The team's pitching woes are a key factor in their current standing at the bottom of the division.

<h3>Jansen's Underwhelming Season</h3>

Signed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal in the off-season, Kenley Jansen was expected to solidify the Angels' bullpen. However, his performance has been far from what was anticipated. His ERA currently sits significantly above his career average, a stark contrast to his previous successes with the Dodgers. His struggles have included a concerning lack of command and a noticeable decrease in velocity, leading to numerous high-leverage situations resulting in blown saves and costly runs. This inconsistency has placed immense pressure on the already beleaguered bullpen.

<h3>A Cascade of Injuries Further Complicates Matters</h3>

Jansen's underperformance is only one piece of the puzzle. The Angels have been ravaged by injuries throughout the season, affecting key players across the roster. The loss of [Insert names of key injured players and their positions here] has created a domino effect, forcing less experienced players into starting roles and further destabilizing the team's already shaky pitching rotation. This constant shuffling of the lineup and pitching rotation has prevented the Angels from establishing any consistent rhythm or momentum.

<h3>The Impact on the AL West Standings</h3>

The combination of Jansen's struggles and the relentless injury bug has cemented the Angels' place at the bottom of the AL West standings. Their record reflects a team struggling to find its footing, battling both internal weaknesses and the strength of their divisional rivals. The lack of consistent pitching depth has proven to be their biggest downfall, a weakness that has been ruthlessly exploited by opposing teams.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Can the Angels Turn Things Around?</h3>

The Angels' season is far from over, but the path to contention is steep. While Ohtani's performance continues to inspire, the team needs to address its pitching woes urgently. This requires not only Jansen finding his form but also a significant improvement in the overall health and consistency of the pitching staff. The front office may need to explore trade options to bolster the pitching depth before the trade deadline. Ultimately, the Angels' success hinges on their ability to overcome these challenges, a task that seems monumental given their current situation. Their future success relies heavily on addressing these issues immediately and effectively.

Keywords: Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Angels, AL West, injuries, pitching struggles, MLB, baseball, Shohei Ohtani, bullpen, closer, blown saves, playoff contention, underperformance, ERA.