The Los Angeles Angels have made changes to their bullpen to improve their performance in the middle innings. The team activated left-hander Aaron Loup from the injured list and called up right-handers Reyes Moronta and Jacob Webb before Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
Bullpen Struggles
The Angels have the eighth-highest bullpen ERA in May, and 16 of 27 inherited runners have scored this month. Los Angeles is the only team that has allowed over half of inherited runners to score this season. Manager Phil Nevin acknowledges the bullpen has been struggling and needs improvement.
Strong Back Half
While the back half of the bullpen has been strong, the Angels have had difficulty getting to the late innings and preserving leads. Carlos Estévez is tied for second in the majors with 11 saves, and Matt Moore has allowed only one earned run in his past 17 games and 20⅔ innings.
New Additions
Loup missed 15 games with a right hamstring strain but has returned to the team. He had struggled in his recent appearances before going on the injured list, with 0-2 record and a 7.00 ERA over 11 appearances this season. However, during recent bullpen sessions, Loup has shown better command of his fastball and more consistency in his delivery.
Moronta spent spring training with the Texas Rangers but was released when he didn’t make the roster. The right-hander then signed a minor league deal with the Angels on May 11. He made three appearances for Salt Lake and did not allow a run in four innings.
Webb is back in the majors for the first time since 2021 with Atlanta.
In summary, the Los Angeles Angels have made changes to their bullpen to improve their performance in the middle innings. The team hopes the addition of Loup, Moronta, and Webb will help the bullpen become more reliable and preserve leads. The Angels will continue to work on improving their bullpen as they strive for success this season.
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