As the 2024 MLB season wraps up, it’s safe to say the Los Angeles Angels are ready to put it behind them. While their pitching staff struggled, posting the second-worst ERA in the American League, they did have a few shining moments. So, if you’re tired of the gloom, let’s switch focus to those rare gems. Here, we break down the five standout performances that gave Angels fans something to cheer about this year.
#1. Tyler Anderson’s dominant performance vs. Chicago.
When Tyler Anderson faced off against the Chicago Cubs on July 6th, the MLB odds were stacked heavily against the Angels, given their recent losing streak. Yet, Anderson defied those odds with his show-stopping performance.
With his razor-sharp focus and impeccable control, Anderson pitched for a season-high eight innings, fanning ten batters and allowing only three hits.
His performance was spectacular, not just for the impressive stats but because it snapped the Angels’ frustrating six-game losing streak with a clean 7-0 victory. Anderson didn’t issue a single walk, proving his mettle and earning him a well-deserved spot on the All-Star team shortly after.
#2. Reid Detmers records 12 strikeouts vs. Boston
Alright, so let’s talk about probably Reid Detmers’ most memorable outing of the 2024 season. On April 6th, he owned the mound against the Boston Red Sox, striking out twelve batters in just six innings.
The first inning was a strikeout frenzy, with every batter swinging helplessly. Though he gave up that lone run and walked one in the second, Reid was on a tear, striking out three more in that inning. It was like he was in a rhythm only he could hear, backing the Angels to a 2-1 win and putting them on a solid early footing for the season.
#3. Caden Dana’s MLB debut vs. Seattle
Angels fans were excited as 20-year-old Caden Dana, the team’s #1 prospect, took the mound for his much-anticipated debut. And boy, did he deliver!
Under the bright lights against the Seattle Mariners, Dana showed he was more than just hype. He pitched six solid innings, showing remarkable composure, and notched the win and a quality start in a nail-biting 3-2 victory.
Allowing just two runs on two hits, Dana also struck out four batters, including a clutch strikeout of Victor Robles with runners in scoring position. Despite some rocky starts afterward, that debut signaled big things for this young star.
#4. Jack Kochanowicz brings hope for the future vs. Detroit
Let’s chat about Jack Kochanowicz, shall we? This 23-year-old sinkerballer is quickly becoming a bright spot for the Angels. On August 29, he took the mound against Detroit and was on fire.
He tossed six scoreless innings without issuing a single walk, striking out four and scattering five hits. That game was like a breath of fresh air, ending a nasty seven-game losing streak with a 3-0 win. Jack’s been rock-solid, sitting in the 96th percentile for walk rate and impressing everyone with 51.1 innings over nine starts.
With his towering 6-foot-7 frame and tricky delivery, he’s poised to be a key player in the Angels’ pitching lineup as they eye 2025.
#5. Patrick Sandoval’s only notable outing vs. Pittsburgh
So, Patrick Sandoval had a rough 2024, but he gave us one solid gem on May 7th against the Pirates. For a guy who seemed a bit off his game this year, this was the one outing where he shined.
Sandoval pitched a season-high seven innings, completely shutting down Pittsburgh in a commanding 9-0 win. He racked up seven strikeouts, showing flashes of his former brilliance, and kept his pitches tight, allowing just three hits and one walk.
Even though his year was cut short due to elbow issues, this May game reminded him of his potential.
