The Los Angeles Angels bullpen faltered late in a recent game against the Detroit Tigers, extending a stretch of poor performance for the relief corps. Closer Kenley Jansen, typically reliable, struggled in a non-save situation that saw the Tigers score eight runs in the ninth inning.
Jansen was brought into a 1-1 tie in the ninth inning but recorded only two outs. He allowed six earned runs on six hits, including three home runs. This marked the most runs allowed in his 16-year career.
The outing came after Kenley Jansen had not pitched for over a week due to a lack of save opportunities. He dismissed lack of work as an excuse after the game. "Sometimes you stink," Jansen said. "That's it, and today was one of those days, and we'll move on."
The Angels relief pitchers have surrendered 25 runs in the seventh inning or later over their last five games, according to reporting by The Sporting Tribune. The struggles have occurred on consecutive nights, with eight runs allowed in the eighth inning or later in the two games leading up to the Tigers series.
Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the issue after the game. "We've been in a lot of ball games," Washington said. "But, when we get down to the end, we just haven't been able to shut the innings down that we need to shut down."
The bullpen problems follow an earlier period when the team saw early-season good vibes dissipate. The Angels had started hot, but have since experienced a losing streak marked by quiet bats, inconsistent starting pitching, and bullpen failures.
The absence of young reliever Ben Joyce has further challenged the bullpen depth. Joyce was placed on the injured list in April, and the team has utilized a revolving door of relievers in his absence.
Despite a solid start from Jose Soriano, who pitched six scoreless innings against the Tigers, the late-game collapse led to a 9-1 loss, extending the Angels' losing streak to seven games. The club is now 5-15 in their last 20 contests.
Shortstop Zach Neto provided an early offensive moment with a leadoff home run but the offense produced little else. Neto reflected on the team's situation following the loss. "We're fighting to try to change this thing around," Neto said. "Everybody hates to lose."
Neto emphasized the team must continue competing and learning from recent losses. "We're not going to make the playoffs in April," he stated. "We've got to live through these, learn from them, and hopefully move on from them."
