Kenley Jansen's Struggles Exacerbate Angels' Injury Woes, Leading To AL West Basement

Michael

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Kenley Jansen's Struggles Exacerbate Angels' Injury Woes, Leading to AL West Basement

The Los Angeles Angels' 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of disappointment, a narrative punctuated by injuries and the unexpected struggles of veteran closer Kenley Jansen. While a star-studded lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout was supposed to propel them to contention in the AL West, the team finds itself languishing in the basement, a stark testament to the fragility of even the most talented rosters. Jansen's performance, or rather, lack thereof, has significantly contributed to this disheartening reality.

This season's struggles haven't been solely attributed to injuries, although those have certainly played a significant role. The Angels have faced a relentless wave of setbacks, losing key players for extended periods. But Jansen's inconsistency has magnified the impact of these injuries, leaving a gaping hole in the bullpen and severely impacting the team's morale.

<h3>Jansen's Underwhelming Performance: A Statistical Deep Dive</h3>

Jansen, a three-time All-Star and former Dodgers stalwart, signed a lucrative one-year deal with the Angels, bringing with him a reputation for clutch performances and a powerful cutter. However, his 2023 statistics tell a different story. His ERA is significantly higher than his career average, his strikeout rate is down, and his walks are up. He's become a liability on the mound, often surrendering late-game leads, leading to losses that could have otherwise been avoided. This inconsistent performance has put immense pressure on the already-thin pitching staff.

• High ERA: Jansen's ERA is far exceeding expectations, highlighting a significant drop in effectiveness.
• Increased Walks: The increase in walks indicates a loss of control and precision on the mound.
• Decreased Strikeouts: Fewer strikeouts mean opposing batters are making more consistent contact.

These factors, combined with the Angels' existing injury concerns, have created a perfect storm of misfortune.

<h3>The Injury Crisis: A Never-Ending Cycle</h3>

The Angels' injury woes are well-documented. Key players like Anthony Rendon and others have spent significant time on the injured list, disrupting the team's lineup and creating instability. The absence of these key players has put additional pressure on the remaining players, leading to further fatigue and potential for more injuries. This vicious cycle has only exacerbated the team's problems. The lack of consistent depth in the lineup and pitching staff has magnified Jansen's struggles.

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

The road ahead for the Angels is undeniably challenging. While Ohtani's two-way brilliance continues to captivate fans, it's not enough to overcome the cumulative effect of injuries and Jansen's underperformance. The front office faces difficult decisions as the trade deadline approaches. Investing in bullpen reinforcements is crucial, as is finding a way to manage the existing injury concerns more effectively. Without significant changes, the Angels’ season looks set to end in disappointment, a stark contrast to the high expectations set at the start of the year. The future of Jansen in Anaheim is also in question, raising many important questions for the team’s leadership.

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Keywords: Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Angels, AL West, MLB, Injuries, Baseball, Closer, Underperformance, Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, 2023 MLB Season, Baseball Injuries, Bullpen, Trade Deadline