Angels Pitching Change
Angels Appoint Tim Leveque Interim Pitching Coach Following Technology-Related Staff Firings
The Los Angeles Angels have fired pitching coach Mike Maddux and his entire staff, naming Tim Leveque as interim pitching coach. Interim general manager John Mozeliak cited a lack of technology use in game-day operations as the reason for the shake-up, according to Press Telegram.
Leveque steps into the role with a head start. He already knows several Angels pitchers from his time as the team's Double-A pitching coach, and he spent two decades working under Mozeliak with the St. Louis Cardinals, OC Register reported.
Why Maddux and His Staff Were Let Go
Mozeliak made the call to fire Maddux and his staff mid-season. The key reason: the pitching staff was not using technology in their day-to-day game prep. Modern pitching staffs rely on data and video tools to make in-game decisions. The Angels felt that was not happening, Daily Breeze reported.
The move signals a shift in how the Angels want to run their pitching program. Mozeliak, brought in as interim GM, appears focused on modernizing the team's baseball operations from top to bottom, according to Daily News.
Leveque's Long History With Mozeliak and the Angels
Leveque is not a stranger to Mozeliak. The two worked together for 20 years with the St. Louis Cardinals. That shared history made Leveque a natural fit when the Angels needed someone fast, SB Sun reported.
Leveque also has roots within the Angels organization itself. He previously served as the team's Double-A pitching coach. That means he already has a working relationship with current Angels pitchers Luke Murphy, Ryan Johnson, and Blake Weiman, according to OC Register.
Kikuchi Makes Fourth Minor League Rehab Start Saturday
Left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi will make his fourth minor league rehab start on Saturday. He is set to pitch for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga as he works back from shoulder inflammation, Press Telegram reported.
Kikuchi's timeline back to the majors is not yet clear. Shoulder inflammation can be tricky to manage, and the Angels appear to be taking a careful approach with the veteran starter. Each rehab start gives the team more information about his health and readiness, according to Daily News.
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