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The Los Angeles Angels revamped their bullpen for the 2026 season, but new signings like Kirby Yates and Jordan Romano have struggled significantly. Romano has been designated for assignment after poor performance, while Pomeranz has also faced challenges on the mound.
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The Los Angeles Angels completely revamped their bullpen in the offseason after a rough year in relief last season, but their investments are yet to show much promise in 2026.
The Angels brought in plenty of arms during the winter, signing MLB veterans such as Kirby Yates, Drew Pomeranz and Jordan Romano to piece together a bullpen which lost all-time great reliever Kenley Jansen to free agency.
Those relievers, though, have had a calamitous start to the season. Yates is still yet to make an appearance in an Angels jersey this season, and has allowed seven runs in three total rehab appearances in Single-A and Triple-A.
The Angels designated Romano for assignment Sunday after allowing nine runs in five outings, and released him Monday. Pomeranz stepped up as a high-leverage arm after Romanoâs departure, but has allowed a home run to a left-handed batterâsomething he hadnât done since 2019âtwo games in a row.
Apr 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) reacts after giving up a solo home run to third baseman during the seventh inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Angels signed MLB veterans Kirby Yates, Drew Pomeranz, and Jordan Romano to improve their bullpen after a rough previous season.
Jordan Romano was designated for assignment after allowing nine runs in just five outings, showcasing poor performance.
Kirby Yates has yet to make an appearance for the Angels this season and has struggled in rehab assignments, allowing seven runs in three games.
Drew Pomeranz has allowed a home run to a left-handed batter in consecutive games, a performance issue he hadn't experienced since 2019.
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The rest of the bullpen hasnât exactly been spotless either, with just two relievers currently on the MLB roster with more than three innings pitched posting an ERA below 4.00. The bullpen has thrown 109 innings posting a 5.75 ERA, which ranks third-worst in MLB. Per ESPNâs Alden Gonzalez, Angels relievers have allowed 25 runs through 21.1 innings over the last six games, posting a 10.55 ERA with four blown saves and a WHIP higher than 2.00.
Angels relievers over their last six games:
21 1/3 IP, 30 H, 14 BB, 25 ER.
That's a 10.55 ERA â and four blown saves.
â Alden GonzĂĄlez (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 28, 2026
The Angels also struggled in the bullpen in 2025, posting the third-worst ERA in MLB as well as the worst ERA in the American League.
The Halos have plenty of problems around the diamond, though, not just in their bullpen.
Another lingering problem from last season lies in their fielding, which has also been among the leagueâs worst this season. They rank dead last in fielding run value with a minus-13 rating, and have the third-fewest outs above average in the league.
Baserunning issues such as center fielder Bryce Teodosioâs in Mondayâs game have also been costly. The Angels also rank bottom-three in base running rating with a minus-2.3 mark.
While those issues have certainly made a difference, their relieversâ inability to hold big leads late into games over their past two contests poses a real issue for how the remainder of the season will play out.
Theyâre still just four games out of first in the division, but if things donât change soon, that number will only grow and theyâll miss out on the postseason for a 12th consecutive season.
What is the biggest issue youâve seen from the Angels this year?
The post Angelsâ Biggest Issue Lies in the Bullpen This Season appeared first on LA Sports Report.