Kenley Jansen's Woes Compound Angels' Misery: AL West Last Place A Reality

Michael

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Kenley Jansen's Woes Compound Angels' Misery: AL West Last Place a Reality

The Los Angeles Angels' season is spiraling, and closer Kenley Jansen's struggles are a significant contributing factor. Once a dominant force in the MLB, Jansen's recent performance has been nothing short of disastrous, exacerbating the Angels' already precarious position at the bottom of the AL West. The team's hopes of a playoff run are fading fast, and the harsh reality of a last-place finish is increasingly likely.

The Angels, despite boasting a powerful offensive lineup featuring superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, have been plagued by inconsistent pitching and defensive lapses all season. However, the bullpen, particularly Jansen, has been a glaring weakness. His high ERA and blown saves are not just statistics; they represent a tangible loss of games, sinking the Angels further into the depths of the standings.

Jansen's Struggles: A Closer Look

Jansen's struggles aren't simply a matter of a few bad games. His velocity is down, his command is erratic, and he's struggling to consistently execute his signature cutter. The once-feared closer is now a liability, often leaving the Angels' hard-fought leads vulnerable in the late innings. This isn't the veteran pitcher Angels fans remember from his Dodgers days. Analysts are pointing to various factors, from age to potential injury, as contributing to his decline.

• Velocity Dip: A noticeable decrease in fastball velocity is significantly impacting his ability to overpower hitters.
• Control Issues: Jansen is walking more batters than usual, putting runners on base and increasing the pressure on himself and the defense.
• Lack of Effectiveness: His signature cutter, once a devastating weapon, is losing its effectiveness, leaving hitters less intimidated and more capable of making solid contact.

This downturn in performance has left Angels fans frustrated and questioning the team's management decisions. The team's reliance on Jansen in high-pressure situations, despite his clear struggles, is a point of contention for many. Some argue that a change of strategy, including giving other relievers more opportunities, is urgently needed.

Beyond Jansen: The Broader Angels' Problems

While Jansen's struggles are undeniable, they're only part of the larger picture. The Angels' pitching staff as a whole has underperformed. The starting rotation, despite flashes of brilliance from Ohtani, has lacked consistency. The defense has also committed costly errors, further compounding the team's woes.

The Angels' failure to contend this season raises serious questions about their long-term strategy. The team's reliance on its superstar players hasn't translated into consistent wins. The lack of depth in their pitching and overall team performance highlights a need for significant roster changes and potentially a shift in their overall approach.

What's Next for the Angels?

With the AL West increasingly out of reach, the focus for the Angels shifts to evaluating their roster, identifying areas of weakness, and strategizing for the future. Addressing the bullpen woes, which includes finding a more reliable closer than the current struggling Jansen, will be a priority in the off-season. This season's disappointment may serve as a catalyst for much-needed change and a rebuild of the team's strategy for a more successful future. The looming reality of a last-place finish underscores the urgency of these changes. Only time will tell if the Angels can learn from this season's disappointments and make the necessary adjustments to return to contention.

What are your thoughts on the Angels' season and Kenley Jansen's performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!