The Los Angeles Angels, once riding high after a dominant 21-6 May, have found themselves in a rough patch during August. With a 7-9 record this month and a season record of 72-52, the Angels have slipped 1 ½ games behind the Houston Astros in the division race. As they prepare for a critical 10-game road trip, concerns have emerged regarding the team’s recent struggles.
Key Players in a Slump
Several Angels players have struggled to find their form this month, contributing to the team’s recent downturn. Mike Trout, a franchise cornerstone, went 5-of-23 at the plate last week, a notable decline from his usual standards. Trout, always candid about his performance, acknowledged the need to adjust.
“I’m just not seeing the ball as well as I’d like right now,” Trout admitted. “It’s about getting back to basics—trusting my swing, being patient, and waiting for the right pitch. It’s a long season, and I’m working on getting back on track.”
Another player mired in difficulties is Zack Erstad, who has managed just a .179 batting average this month. Erstad has been pressing at the plate, trying to force results that simply aren’t coming. Third baseman Anthony Kerr and shortstop Adam Smith are also enduring tough stretches, both struggling to produce at the plate.
“I know what I’m capable of, and right now, I’m not showing it,” Erstad said. “It’s frustrating, but I’ve been through slumps before. It’s all about staying positive and putting in the work every day.”
On the pitching side, the Angels’ rotation has been inconsistent. Skylar Spurrier, who had been fantastic in both June and July, has a 7.36 ERA in three starts this month. All-Star Alex Hotlmann who dazzled earlier in the season, has struggled to the tune of a 7.36 ERA in August. These pitching woes have only added to the pressure on the team to perform.
Manager Darin Erstad’s Steady Hand
Despite the recent struggles, Angels manager Darin Erstad remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around. “It’s been a tough stretch, no doubt, but this is part of the game,” Erstad said. “We’ve got a lot of talent in this clubhouse, and I believe in every one of these guys. The road trip is going to be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for us to reset and get back to playing the way we know we can.”
Erstad emphasized that the focus is on the bigger picture. “We’re still in a good spot. The goal is to be playing our best baseball come September and October. We’re not going to let a rough couple of weeks define our season.”
High Expectations from the Front Office
Angels GM Matt Eisenberg echoed Erstad’s sentiments, reiterating the team’s lofty goals. “We have high expectations for this club, and those haven’t changed,” Eisenberg stated. “Yes, we’ve hit a rough patch, but our eyes are on the playoffs. The important thing is getting everyone back on track and peaking at the right time. This team has the talent to make a deep run, and that’s what we’re working towards.”
As the Angels embark on a critical road trip with games against Kansas City, Toronto, and Detroit, the pressure is on to reverse their fortunes. While recent results have been disappointing, the team remains determined to meet their high expectations and secure a playoff berth.