The Los Angeles Angels have optioned right-handed pitcher Jack Kochanowicz to Triple-A Salt Lake following a challenging start to his season. This move coincides with the call-up of Jake Eder, who will add bullpen depth for the upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This marks the first adjustment to the Angels’ starting rotation this year.
Rotation Stability Tested as Kochanowicz’s Struggles Mount
Until now, the Angels’ starting rotation featuring Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano, Tyler Anderson, Kyle Hendricks, and Kochanowicz had started all 93 games this season, demonstrating both durability and a limited pool of alternatives in the upper minors. Among them, Kikuchi stands out as the only pitcher with an ERA below 4.00 and a strikeout rate above average. Soriano maintains a 4.00 ERA with strong ground-ball rates, while Anderson and Hendricks function more as soft-tossing fifth starters.
Kochanowicz’s Performance Falls Short of Expectations
The 24-year-old Kochanowicz ranks among the least effective starters in Major League Baseball, posting a 6.03 ERA alongside a 15.6% strikeout rate and an elevated 11% walk percentage. His 6-foot-7 frame hasn’t translated into consistent success, as he is one of only six pitchers with at least 15 starts who has allowed more than six earned runs per nine innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is among the lowest, surpassed only by pitchers such as Randy Vásquez, Erick Fedde, and Antonio Senzatela.
Since mid-May, Kochanowicz has not recorded a quality start, culminating in a season-worst outing against the Texas Rangers where he allowed eight runs on eight hits with three walks, failing to reach the fourth inning. The Angels have designated a minimum of 15 days for his stay at Triple-A unless a corresponding roster move occurs to recall him.
Rotation Plans and Options for the Upcoming Games
For the weekend matchup, the Angels plan to rely on Tyler Anderson, Yusei Kikuchi, and José Soriano to anchor the rotation. This series will provide the team an opportunity to recalibrate their starters following the All-Star Break, postponing the need to identify a new fifth starter until July 22.
Within the organization, Caden Dana and Victor Mederos, both members of the 40-man roster, are currently pitching in Salt Lake but have yet to impress significantly; Mederos demonstrates better control and a lower ERA, while Dana offers marginally higher strikeout potential. Chase Silseth, also on the 40-man roster, has been on the minor league injured list since May but recently began a rehab assignment. Meanwhile, Sam Aldegheri was optioned back to Double-A earlier this week.
Exploring Potential Starting Rotation Adjustments
Sam Blum of The Athletic has proposed that the Angels might consider stretching Carson Fulmer into a starting role. Fulmer recently pitched 5 1/3 innings of long relief behind Kochanowicz and posted a 3.98 ERA in 54 1/3 Triple-A innings, primarily as a reliever, before being promoted. His major league career ERA stands at 5.38 across 115 appearances. Meanwhile, Reid Detmers has been utilized out of the bullpen all season and remains the team’s premier setup option amid a limited relief corps. Although the Angels have not ruled out returning Detmers to the rotation, it would require him to gradually increase his innings over several outings.
Trade Deadline Considerations and Playoff Implications
As outlined in recent discussions regarding the Trade Deadline outlook, the Angels could look to acquire a starting pitcher to strengthen their rotation. Despite roster constraints, they remain within four games of a Wild Card berth in a competitive American League. Historically reluctant to sell at previous trade deadlines, the team could shift to a buyer’s mindset given their current proximity to a playoff position.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast is Jack Kochanowicz fastball?
A. Summary of Pitch Types in 2025
They usually use a Sinker that goes 96 mph and a Slider at 86 mph. They occasionally throw a Fourseam Fastball at 96 mph and a Changeup at 90 mph. The Curveball, at 84 mph, is rarely used.