Angels News: Jack Kochanowicz Navigates Early Struggles for Fifth Quality Start

Jack Kochanowicz faced the Texas Rangers on Thursday night, marking his fourth loss of the season. He allowed three runs in the first inning, including a home run by Adolis Garcia. However, Kochanowicz settled down after that, pitching six innings and only giving up those initial runs, which qualifies as a quality start. This performance continues a streak of five quality starts for him, dating back to August 11.

In a challenging season for the Angels, these types of outings are crucial. They provide insight into the potential of their players as the team looks ahead to 2025. Kochanowicz's ability to manage the game despite early mistakes demonstrates growth, especially as he navigated through a night when he didn't have his best pitch.

“It’s a quality outing … obviously I would’ve liked to go out there and not have to find it after the first,” Kochanowicz said. “I was happy I was able to string it together after that. It’s a good ‘grind’ outing, to control it after that first inning. But I want to go out there and be able to have it right away.”

The Angels are focused on identifying promising talent within their roster. If Kochanowicz continues to impress, he could become a key player moving forward, potentially influencing the team's decisions on trades and roster changes.

“He did a great job,” Ron Washington said. “He got some pitches up in that first inning — the main mistake he made was to García — and after that, he settled in. He didn’t have his best sinker tonight, but he grew tonight, because he learned to battle without his best stuff. That’s what you have to do when things are not working the way you want them to work.”