The Angels' rally fell short in a 6-4 loss to the Nationals on June 29. Despite RBIs from Ward & Neto, the team fell to 41-42. Is Jorge Soler's return the answer?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a frustrating end to the weekend at the Big A. Hopes of a series victory vanished as the Angels fell to the Washington Nationals 6-4 on Sunday, dropping them back below the .500 mark. A late-game rally wasn't enough to overcome a shaky start and a bullpen that couldn't hold the line, leaving the 41-42 Halos searching for answers.
The Angels remain second in MLB with 124 home runs, yet their team batting average sits at a meager .228.
Starter Jack Kochanowicz battled but couldn't escape trouble, lasting 5.1 innings while surrendering 4 runs on 7 hits. The offense, meanwhile, showed flashes of life with RBIs from Taylor Ward and Zach Neto, but couldn't deliver the knockout blow. The Halos tallied 8 hits but left 9 runners stranded, a familiar and frustrating storyline. The game truly slipped away when the bullpen allowed crucial runs in the seventh and eighth innings, putting a comeback just out of reach.
The loss underscores a glaring need for more offensive firepower and consistency, and help may be just around the corner. Designated hitter Jorge Soler, out with a back injury, took batting practice on Saturday and appears to be on the verge of being activated. His power bat is desperately needed in a lineup that has become overly reliant on the home run. His return would likely send prospect Gustavo Campero, who has filled in admirably in limited action, back to Triple-A Salt Lake.
Sunday's game was a microcosm of the Angels' season: plenty of power potential that doesn't always translate to wins. The team ranks second in all of baseball with 124 home runs, a testament to the pop up and down the lineup. However, their .228 team batting average reveals the all-or-nothing approach that leads to games like this. While Taylor Ward (20 homers) and Zach Neto (batting .275) continue to be bright spots, the team struggles to string together rallies without clearing the fences.
As the Angels dip to 41-42, the path forward is clear but challenging. The imminent return of Jorge Soler offers a significant boost, but one bat can't solve everything. The team must find a way to manufacture runs, get more consistent starting pitching, and lock down leads from the bullpen. The power is there, but turning that power into consistent victories will be the defining story of the next stretch.
