Aug. 7, 2025: Angels lose 10-4 to Tigers as Taylor Ward homers, Kyle Hendricks falters, and Tarik Skubal fans 8 amid rising criticism of owner Arte Moreno.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a familiar, frustrating script for Angels fans on Friday night. A promising offensive highlight, this time a two-run blast from the ever-reliable Taylor Ward, was completely overshadowed by a pitching meltdown in a lopsided 10-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers. But the loss at Comerica Park feels like a symptom of a larger disease, as the chorus of criticism against owner Arte Moreno reached a fever pitch, with one MLB insider labeling him 'far and away the worst owner in baseball.'
Arte Moreno was called 'far and away the worst owner in baseball' by an MLB insider.
The series opener in Detroit went south quickly for the Halos. Starter Kyle Hendricks couldn't find his footing, surrendering multiple early runs and seeing his record fall to 6-8. The bullpen offered no relief, unable to stop the bleeding against a locked-in Tigers offense. Detroit's ace, Tarik Skubal, was as advertised, mowing down Angels hitters with 8 strikeouts over six dominant innings. Beyond Ward's homer, the only other notable offensive contribution came from Nolan Schanuel, who managed a pair of hits in the losing effort.
If there's one player immune to the team's struggles, it's Taylor Ward. His 26th home run of the season on Friday also brought his RBI total to an impressive 84, leading the team in both categories. In a season defined by inconsistency and disappointment, Ward has been a metronome of production, providing a daily reason to tune in. His performance is a testament to his talent, but it also highlights how much support he's lacking.
The frustration evident on social media after the game is a direct reflection of a sentiment that's been building all season, particularly after a quiet trade deadline. The anger is directed squarely at the top. The scathing comment from a prominent MLB insider, calling Arte Moreno the worst owner in the sport, simply gave a national voice to what Angels fans have been screaming for months. The lack of direction and perceived unwillingness to invest aggressively in a winning roster has left the fanbase feeling alienated and hopeless.
While the big-league club struggles, the roster continues to see minor tweaks. Outfielder Niko Kavadas was sent back to Triple-A Salt Lake after a brief and unproductive stint, while the team awaits Yoán Moncada's return from the restricted list as he completes his U.S. citizenship test. With the trade deadline gone, all eyes are on the offseason. Whispers are already growing louder that the Angels will make a strong push for Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, should he become a free agent. For a frustrated fanbase, that long-shot rumor represents a glimmer of the kind of franchise-altering move they've been desperate for.
As the Angels look to salvage the series in Detroit, the on-field results feel secondary to the larger questions swirling around the franchise. The loss brings them to 55-60, with playoff hopes fading fast. The real story to watch isn't just the box score, but whether the mounting pressure from fans and media will finally force a change in philosophy from the top down. For now, fans are left clinging to the hope of a Shane Bieber signing and the daily heroics of Taylor Ward.
