On July 28, the Angels pit recalled Jack Kochanowicz against Jacob deGrom's Rangers amid injuries to Mike Trout and swirling trade rumors. A season on the brink.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think the Angels' season can't get any more dramatic, Monday happened. In a bold move to stabilize a shaky rotation, the team recalled right-hander Jack Kochanowicz to face none other than Jacob deGrom and the division-rival Texas Rangers. It's a high-stakes gamble that sets the tone for a week filled with uncertainty, from lingering injuries to key stars to swirling rumors ahead of the trade deadline.
An Angels utility player reportedly broke his hand just days after returning from the same injury, in what was described as a 'brutal scene.'
The Angels' 'bullpen game' experiment seems to be on hold, as Jack Kochanowicz was summoned from Triple-A Salt Lake to start Monday's crucial series opener. After struggling to a 3-9 record and a 6.03 ERA earlier this season, the righty was sent down to find his form. He apparently did just that, firing five scoreless innings in his lone start for the Bees. Now, he's tasked with dueling Rangers ace Jacob deGrom (10-2, 2.28 ERA) in a game the 51-55 Angels desperately need to win against the 56-50 Rangers. To make room on the roster, infielder José Fermin was optioned back to Salt Lake. It's a trial by fire for Kochanowicz, and the outcome could heavily influence the team's strategy moving forward.
The news wasn't any better on the injury front. Mike Trout's return to playing the outfield is officially on ice. The superstar is still experiencing soreness after swinging, running, and performing drills, and the team has provided no timetable for his return to full duties. While he returned from a previous injury on May 29, he has yet to progress back to his spot in center field. In a separate, gut-wrenching development, an unnamed utility player suffered a broken hand, the same injury he had just returned from. The incident was described as a 'brutal scene,' adding another layer of misfortune to a season plagued by health issues.
As the trade deadline approaches, the biggest question is whether the Angels will be buyers or sellers. The latest rumor adds a spicy narrative to that question. Veteran closer Kenley Jansen is reportedly drawing significant interest from his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are in the market for bullpen help after an injury to Tanner Scott, and a reunion with Jansen makes a lot of sense for them. For the Angels, trading their reliable closer would signal a pivot towards the future, but it would also be a tough pill to swallow for fans hoping for a late-season push.
Monday's whirlwind of news perfectly encapsulates the Angels' 2025 season: a mix of hope, frustration, and critical decisions. The outcome of this Rangers series could tip the scales for the front office. Will a strong showing convince them to hold onto pieces like Jansen and push for the playoffs? Or will a stumble accelerate a sell-off? All eyes are on the field, the training room, and the front office as the Angels navigate one of their most pivotal weeks in recent memory.
