The Los Angeles Angels began the season with a 7-3 record, and looked to have actually made some strides in their goal to be competitive for the postseason in 2025. Manager Ron Washington seemed to have developed a quick rapport with both his young players and the new veterans, and the vibes around the clubhouse were higher than previous seasons.
But the Angels have now lost nine of their last 13 games and stand at 11-12 through 23 games. The rapport in the clubhouse is still high, but that’s about the only positive marker for the Angels at the moment. They’ve lost two in a row to the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that began their series with an 8-15 record, and have mustered three total runs in two games.
It’s an offensive slump, without a doubt. But Washington is not concerned, and he feels the players are not concerned either, according to Jeff Fletcher of The O.C. Register:
“They’re confident,” Washington said. “They’re not down on themselves. They know they’re better than what they’re showing, and I know they’re better than what they’re showing. So all we’ll do is keep grinding. We’re only in the first month. If we can get it out right now, I’m good with that. And then we can do what we have to do the rest of the way. We’re just in an offensive funk. It is up and down the lineup, not in one area.”
The Angels have been in this position before. They have started hot, only to go into a late April or early May slump that ultimately tanks their season. Of course, the hope — and the belief — is that this season is different. They have more depth and a better rapport than some previous years.
But if they are going to buck the trend of previous campaigns, it has to start quickly. As at 11-12, the Angels are already ceding ground in the American League West, dropping to fourth in the division ahead of only the Athletics (by only 0.5 games).
Angels play late getaway day before traveling to Minnesota
The Angels have the latest possible first pitch on a getaway day, beginning their game at 6:29 p.m. PT before getting on a flight to Minneapolis for a three-game weekend set against the Minnesota Twins.
They’ll hope to break out of their recent offensive slump in their final home game before five games on the road in Minnesota and Seattle.
