The Los Angeles Angels have dismissed pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti, and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott. The firings come as the team struggles through another difficult season, currently holding a 45-74 record and occupying last place in the AL West.
The Angels' pitching staff has issued a league-high 508 walks, contributing to a collective 4.51 earned run average, which ranks 24th in Major League Baseball. Maddux, who is the brother of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, was in his first season with the Angels on a one-year contract. Chiti, who had held various roles with the team, was promoted to bullpen coach before the current season. Scott also had a one-year contract.
Angels general manager Mike Mozeliak stated that the decisions were made after discussions with manager Kurt Suzuki about the coaching staff's direction. "After spending time discussing with Kurt where we are as a coaching staff and where we want to go in the future, we felt it was best to make a change," Mozeliak said in a statement.
These coaching changes are indicative of broader organizational shifts within the Angels. The team previously traded several key players before the deadline and appears to be embracing a rebuild after several seasons of attempting to assemble a competitive roster. Owner Arte Moreno has publicly stated his intention to keep the team, despite reported wishes from the fanbase.
First-year manager Kurt Suzuki's position is not directly addressed by these coaching changes, and he is reported to remain with the team for the time being.