The Los Angeles Angels recently welcomed back Aaron Loup from the 15-day injured list, who they envisioned being a major contributor in the bullpen this season.
However, that has not been the case as the veteran is in the midst of the worst campaign of his 12-year career. Loup is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA, 3.43 FIP and 2.03 WHIP in 13.1 innings pitched across 16 games.
He signed a two-year contract with the Angels after a career year with the New York Mets in 2021. Loup then proceeded to have a solid season with the Angels in 2022.
As for his struggles this season, the left-hander is searching for answers, per Sam Blum of The Athletic:
“I’ve been searching all season to try and figure that out,” Loup said of his struggles. “Whether it’s been sequencing or pitch execution, I feel like my stuff’s been fine. It’s just for whatever reason, when the ball’s put in play, it seems to be in a hole. … It’s not like I’ve been hit really hard.”
“What exactly it is, I don’t know. It’s what I’m hoping to find out here while I’ve got nothing to do for two weeks.”
Loup believes part of his struggles stems from having thrown more off-speed pitches this season:
“I’ve always been a guy that relied on my fastball more so than anything else,” Loup said. “Whereas this year, I think I’ve been a little more off-speed heavy. I think that’s a part of it, but I don’t think that’s all of it.”
Loup is throwing his cut fastball 50.8% of the time this season, which is down from his career average of 62.7%. The 35-year-old is also throwing his changeup (19.9%) and slider (9%) more often.
Further plaguing Loup is an unsustainable .412 batting average on balls in play against him. The MLB average is .297, so positive regression can be expected in that area.
Can Aaron Loup turn his season with Angels around?
While his numbers suggest otherwise, the average exit velocity against Loup is just 84.8 mph this year, which puts him in the top 7% of the league. The MLB average is 88.4 mph.
Loup’s ability to limit hard contact makes him a good bounce-back candidate as the season progresses. However, he has allowed three runs in five appearances since returning from the IL.
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