Angels Place Drew Pomeranz on Assignment
The latest moves by the Los Angeles Angels underscore a season in distress, as a series of injuries and underperformances have pushed the organization to make critical roster adjustments. The team has selected the contract of right-hander Brett Kerry from Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled righty José Fermín. In tandem, right-hander Grayson Rodriguez has landed on the 15-day injured list due to low back inflammation, and veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz has been designated for assignment.
A Frayed Rotation: The Cost of Injuries
Pomeranz’s journey epitomizes the fragility of pitching careers; once regarded as one of the league's premier relief arms, the 37-year-old has fallen off a cliff due to injuries, missing three complete seasons from 2022 to 2024. Although he showed flickers of his past brilliance with the Cubs last year—posting a 2.17 ERA across nearly fifty innings—their calculation to offer him a $4 million deal for 2026 hasn’t paid off. In just over 23 innings this season, Pomeranz has struggled, posting a 5.01 ERA compounded by a dismal 14.8% strikeout rate and an alarming 11.1% walk rate. His advanced metrics tell an even grimmer story; a 6.32 FIP and 5.45 SIERA indicate that his situation might not improve anytime soon.
The matter of his designation for assignment opens a can of worms. Given his performance and history, it's unlikely other teams will show significant interest, especially at this stage of his career. Should he reach the free market, he'll retain his salary as he navigates through these uncertain times, complicating any attempts the Angels might make to salvage some value.
Roster Adjustments Amidst Turmoil
Simultaneously grappling with injuries to key pitchers like Yusei Kikuchi, who has been sidelined with shoulder inflammation for nearly two months, the Angels are left scrambling for viable rotation candidates. The situation resonates with urgency, especially since the team's rotation has seen significant attrition due to injuries. Jack Kochanowicz underwent Tommy John surgery recently, amplifying the desperation.
Currently tied with the Royals at the bottom of the American League with matching records of 29-43, the Angels are precariously positioned just 6.5 games off a playoff spot. The rotation’s volatility casts a long shadow over any hope for a turnaround. As it stands, the rotation includes Walbert Ureña, Reid Detmers, Sam Aldegheri, and José Soriano, with only one off-day on the schedule until July 6. That leaves little room for error as they seek immediate solutions.
A Look at Brett Kerry: Potential or Uncertainty?
Enter Brett Kerry, a fifth-round pick from 2021, who has been summoned to potentially fill the void in the rotation or perhaps act as a long-relief option. Throughout his minor league career, Kerry has showcased better command than raw power, with his fastball typically sitting in the low 90s. However, at Triple-A, he has struggled significantly, accumulating a 6.89 ERA over 271 2/3 innings in a notoriously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. How the Angels plan to utilize him—whether as a starter or in relief—remains to be seen, particularly since this is his first major league call-up and he has plenty of options remaining.
Should the team opt not to rely on Kerry, they may also look to George Klassen or Caden Dana, who are already on optional assignments at Triple-A. With both players sporting ERAs over 5.5 this season, the optimization of pitching performance has become integral to their current strategy.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Strategic Decisions
The moves illustrate a team grappling with depth issues and the evasive pursuit of competitive consistency. If you’re in or around the baseball industry, the Angels’ predicament raises essential questions about roster management and readiness, particularly in a tight market where viable pitching options are limited. The Angels are at a critical junction in their season, where every decision could significantly influence their chances of climbing out of the cellar. As they navigate these tumultuous waters, the need for decisive, strategic management—not just momentary fixes—will be essential for any hope of a playoff push.