By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The Los Angeles Angels have spent the first weeks of the 2026 season searching for stability on the mound.
At press time, the Angels were 16-28, last in the American League West and 6 1/2 games out of first place. Their problems have not been limited to one area, but the bullpen has become the most visible concern during a difficult stretch.
The Angels’ relievers entered mid-May with a 5.34 ERA, a 1.53 WHIP and just five saves, ranking near the bottom of Major League Baseball. The trouble has come in several forms: walks, hard contact, uncertain roles and too few dependable late-inning options.
One of the clearest signs of the team’s bullpen issues came when the club designated closer Jordan Romano for assignment in late April. Romano, a former All-Star, was 0-2 with a 10.13 ERA after several rough outings. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki called the move difficult but said the club needed to make a change with its pitching staff.
The Angels have continued to shuffle arms in search of answers. Left-hander Drew Pomeranz was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday because of left elbow inflammation. Pomeranz was 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in 15 innings, adding another setback for a bullpen already under pressure.
There has been at least one major bright spot. Starting pitcher José Soriano was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for March/April after going 5-1 with a 0.84 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 42 2/3 innings. He became the first Angels pitcher to win the honor since Matt Shoemaker in August 2014.
Soriano’s early dominance has helped give the Angels a chance on his days, but the larger pitching picture remains unsettled. Even strong starts have not always been enough when the late innings become difficult to manage.
The team’s recent offensive struggles have only magnified the pressure on the pitching staff. The Angels were swept by the Cleveland Guardians this week and have lost 18 of 23 games since April 18. They also led the majors with 21 games scoring two runs or fewer, including all three games in the Cleveland series.
For the Angels to climb out of the AL West cellar, the bullpen must become more reliable. Soriano has given the club a front-line performance at the top of the rotation, but Los Angeles needs more than one starter to steady the season.
Until the Angels find consistent answers in the pen, close games will remain a problem.