Angels Shockingly Demote Starting Pitcher to Triple-A Amid Major Struggles

The Los Angeles Angels have made a surprise move, optioning right-handed pitcher Jack Kochanowicz to Triple-A Salt Lake.

More news: Angels Outfielder Linked to 3 Teams in Potential Trade Deadline Shocker

Kochanowicz has been in the starting rotation all season long, but has struggled mightily (especially as of late), and will now head to Triple-A to work things out.

#Angels transactions:

•Recalled LHP Jake Eder from Triple-A Salt Lake
•Optioned RHP Jack Kochanowicz to Triple-A Salt Lake following last night’s game
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) July 11, 2025

While the move isn't a surprise based on his stats — Kochanowicz has a 6.03 ERA in 19 starts this season — it's a surprise that the Angels actually pulled the trigger on the move after keeping him in the rotation this long.

The Angels are the only team in Major League Baseball to have only used five starting pitchers this season. For the first few months of the season, manager Ron Washington and interim manager Ray Montgomery didn't appear ready to pull the plug on Kochanowicz despite his struggles .

For the first time this year on Thursday night, though, Montgomery at least left the door open to a rotational change after the 24-year-old Kochanowicz allowed eight runs over 2.2 innings of work.

More news: Angels' 3.27 ERA Pitcher Has 'Significant Strain,' Out Indefinitely

“Listen, anytime you’re having the issues that he’s going through right now or the lack of success … you have to discuss everything, right?” Montgomery said. “I mean, we have a responsibility to everybody here, so we’ll talk about everything.”

Clearly, those discussions were one-sided, as Kochanowicz is now in Triple-A and the Angels need to find a replacement to fill in — although they have plenty of time with the All-Star break coming up.

Who Will Replace Jack Kochanowicz in Angels Rotation?

Left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers, a starter for the first few years of his career who transitioned to the bullpen this season, is an obvious candidate. However, the Angels may prefer to keep him in the bullpen where he's become arguably the team's most valuable pitcher.

Another option would be right-hander Carson Fulmer, who pitched 5.1 innings in relief of Kochanowicz on Thursday, allowing three earned runs with five strikeouts.

More news: Angels Linked to $5.25 Million Pitcher, Ex-Halo in Potential Trade Deadline Move

“Carson threw the ball great,” Montgomery said after the game. “He was built up early in the year, and then he backed off a little bit. To come out and do that in that situation, it was a really big help. … Again, we’ll look at everything and talk about everything.”

Other options include right-handers Victor Mederos or Ryan Johnson and left-hander Sam Aldegheri.

For more Angels news, head over to Angels on SI.