Angels Pitching Staff Took Huge Step Forward Following Firings

The Los Angeles Angels struggled with pitching in the first half of the season, ranking sixth-worst in MLB in terms of ERA heading into the All-Star break.

They continued to struggle afterwards, and decided to part ways with three members of their coaching staff: pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott. To replace them, Tim Leveque stepped in as the interim pitching coach and Michael Wuertz took over as interim bullpen coach.

After his departure, Maddux expressed his faith in the Angels’ pitching staff despite their recent shortcomings.

“I had a great time in Anaheim,” Maddux said. “Pitching was our strong suit. Glad to see some improvement… The coaches room is a solid cast of characters.”

While pitching didn’t look like the team’s strong suit under Maddux, it certainly does now.

The Angels, since Aug. 11—when they revamped their staff—have the best collective ERA in MLB by a wide margin. Their 1.64 ERA since that date is significantly better than the next closest team, the New York Yankees with a 2.20.

Aug 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Reid Detmers (48) throws to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesWho has Stepped Up for the Angels?

The Angels have gotten some great results from their pitching staff over the past two weeks, with Reid Detmers shining as the star of the rotation.

Detmers has thrown 14 scoreless innings since Aug. 11, performing even better than he had during a strong first several months of the season. George Klassen and Ryan Johnson have also been solid in the rotation, posting a 1.38 and 1.62 ERA respectively.

Aug 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ben Joyce (44) throws to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the tenth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The bullpen has been lights out over the past couple of weeks as well, with the return of Ben Joyce playing a big part in their success. Joyce hasn’t allowed a run in four games, logging three saves and striking out six batters in 3.2 innings.

Michael Fulmer, Ryan Watson, Luke Murphy and Samy Natera Jr. have also held opponents scoreless since that date.

The Angels are well out of the postseason race at this point of the season, but the promise their pitching has shown over the past couple of weeks bodes well for their future as they try to return to the postseason.

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