Angels bench – The Angels have put Yoán Moncada on the bench for a second straight game against a right-handed pitcher, citing the plan to lean into matchups while Moncada’s still-injured right knee leaves him struggling—especially versus left-handers. Manager Kurt Suzuki sa
ANAHEIM — The Angels’ decision wasn’t announced with a speech. It showed up the way it usually does in baseball: Yoán Moncada sat on the bench again on Thursday, for the second straight game against a right-handed pitcher.
For most of the season. Anaheim had kept faith in the idea that the switch-hitting third baseman would get going—starting him against right-handed pitching because they wanted his left-handed bat and expected it would eventually heat up. On Thursday, that plan met the reality of his current production.
Manager Kurt Suzuki made the message direct after Moncada was left out again. “That’s the route that we’re going to go,” Suzuki said. He added that he spoke with Moncada and that the 30-year-old knows what he needs to do. pointing to the routine Moncada has been sticking to. “He’s been working every day. He’s been in the cage. He’s been taking ground balls. We’re going to need everybody. Right now, this is where we’re at. I’m not saying it’s going to be like this the rest of the year. It might change. It might not.”.
Moncada’s dip has been obvious in the numbers. The Angels signed him to a $4 million deal shortly before spring training began. Last season, he missed about half the year due to an injury, but when he played he produced a .783 OPS. This year, he’s at .610 OPS—and he’s essentially unable to face left-handed pitchers.
On Thursday, Moncada said the right knee injury he suffered in 2025 still bothers him when he tries to hit right-handed. He’s 1 for 21 with 12 strikeouts batting right-handed. Through an interpreter, he said the knee is “100%” an issue. “I can’t push,” Moncada said.
There’s also evidence that even his efforts to adjust haven’t fully solved the problem. He attempted to hit left-handed against a left-handed pitcher once last season and grounded out weakly. “It’s a bit difficult for me since it was my first time,” Moncada said. “I’d really have to start practicing it little by little to see how I feel.”.
What’s coming from the other side isn’t as bad—but it’s not the version the Angels hoped to build around. His left-handed swing is also not where it used to be. He has a .690 OPS against right-handed pitchers. “I feel great left-handed,” Moncada said. “Things are not going my way, but I feel great.”
While Moncada’s work continues, the Angels appear ready to spread more at-bats at third. Vaughn Grissom has gotten additional playing time, and he’s also cooled off after a hot start—hitting .236 with a .691 OPS.
The same tension now runs through the lineup and the bullpen. Just a day after Kirby Yates suffered a blown save in his first opportunity with the Angels. Suzuki said the team still has options for high-leverage late-game innings. He mentioned Ryan Zeferjahn, Sam Bachman and Yates. “Those guys all pitch in higher-leverage spots toward the end of the game,” Suzuki said. “Some guys aren’t going to be up every day.”.
Yates, 39, signed a $5 million deal over the winter with the expectation that he’d have a chance to close. After missing about a month with a knee injury, he pitched in four games before getting the save opportunity. He had retired all six hitters. with four strikeouts. in his two games before giving up a game-tying homer in the ninth on Wednesday.
Drew Pomeranz, a left-hander, threw a bullpen session on Thursday after elbow inflammation. Suzuki called it a good sign: “That’s a good sign. That means he’s feeling good. We’ll see what the next step is, but talking to him, he’s feeling good, so hopefully we can get him back sooner than later.”
Suzuki also said there’s no change with Ben Joyce (shoulder surgery), who is rehabbing in Arizona but not throwing. The hard-throwing right-handed reliever was on the verge of returning to the Angels when he was slowed down because he was having trouble bouncing back after his minor league outings.
Grissom’s presence at third and the reshuffling around late innings come as Anaheim tries to steady two issues at once: a hitter whose body is limiting one side of his swing, and a bullpen role still settling into its final shape.
Rangers (RHP Jacob deGrom, 3-3, 3.02 ERA) at Angels (RHP Grayson Rodriguez, 0-1, 17.18 ERA), Friday, 6:38 p.m., ABTV, 830 AM
Yoán Moncada Los Angeles Angels Kurt Suzuki Vaughn Grissom Kirby Yates Ryan Zeferjahn Sam Bachman Ben Joyce Drew Pomeranz Jacob deGrom Grayson Rodriguez