LA Angels Jhoulys Chacin continues to struggle

The LA Angels pitching returned back to normal last night when the bullpen was summoned early. The game was all but over even after Gregorio Petit hit a ninth-inning grand slam to make the final score 10-7

Jhoulys Chacin pitched two-plus innings last night and the Astros made him pay for it. Colby Rasmus went 3-for-5 and Carlos Gomez went 3-for-4, each had an RBI single giving the Astros a 3-0 after the first. The Astros doubled that lead, 6-0, after three innings on RBI hits from Luis Valbuena and Evan Gattis.

The Angels got down early again, it’s been the tale of the season. Chacin was brutal last night. His ERA swelled to 5.50 last night on 72 pitches through two-plus innings. Chacin didn’t have control or command on the mound last night.

Chacin was picked up from the Braves on May 11th for a non-prospect rookie player. Chacin was supposed to be a game changer for the Angels. So far, Chacin has given up 46 hits, 28 runs, and he’s struck out 26 batters this season. The Angels expected to see a more poised Chacin who bested Justin Verlander on May 30th.

Chacin is not a huge problem for the Angels, the eight year journey-man has been up and down his whole career. Angels manager Mike Scioscia compared him to the book “Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”.

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However, Chacin has to get better, there’s no other way to say it, he’s got to play better. Everyone has off nights in sports, sometimes your stuff just isn’t there on a given night. Although, you have to show more poise on the mound and not have the bullpen come in after two innings.

You also have to consider whether or not moving Chacin to the bullpen is an idea. Especially when pitchers on the DL get healthy. The Angels are aggressively awaiting for Nick Tropeano and Joe Smith to return from injury. If Chacin continues to struggle in games, he could be forced to the bullpen or even optioned in Triple-A.

Pitching still remains a serious issue for the Angels. With a starting rotation where Chacin is the weakest link, the Angels are looking better. After the masterful performances from Tim Lincecum and Jered Weaver over the weekend, the Angels have to start focusing on getting wins.

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While there’s still plenty of time before the playoffs, each game lost is one step backwards from an already steep hill the Angels have to climb.