The Angels dismissed pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti, and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott on Tuesday. Interim general manager John Mozeliak stated that the staff failed to sufficiently utilize the organization’s available technology and player development tools during a difficult 45-74 season.
The Anaheim club announced the sweeping coaching changes prior to Tuesday’s game against the Rangers. Tim Leveque steps up from Double-A Rocket City to serve as interim pitching coach, while Michael Wuertz transitions from minor league assistant pitching coordinator to interim bullpen coach, according to team announcements.
Technology Utilization Friction Drives Dismissals
Though interim general manager John Mozeliak initially indicated in June that no coaching changes would occur before season’s end, conversations with manager Kurt Suzuki and players shifted that timeline. Mozeliak pointed directly to an inconsistent application of data systems and analytical tools across the pitching staff.
Systems like Trackman, which see heavy use during spring training bullpen sessions, were not deployed regularly during regular-season workouts. Left-hander Reid Detmers noted that he personally had to request permission to start utilizing the tracking equipment during his bullpen sessions following the All-Star break.
“If we have it, might as well use it, right? Not saying we didn’t use it all the time, but there’s definitely times where we could’ve used it.”
Reid Detmers, starting pitcher
Mozeliak emphasized that the organization does not require further financial investment in technology, maintaining that the necessary hardware and data streams already exist within the front office. The primary objective moving forward is creating an internal player growth model that prevents athletes from needing to outsource developmental work elsewhere.
Staff Backgrounds and Interim Leadership
The dismissed coaches brought extensive major league experience to the dugout. Mike Maddux, 64, entered his 24th consecutive year as a major league pitching coach following stints with the Brewers, Rangers, Nationals, and Cardinals. Darryl Scott, 58, spent six seasons on the coaching staff in Colorado after previously pitching for the Angels in 1993. Dom Chiti, 67, brought 20 years of big-league coaching experience back to Anaheim following a prior bullpen coach tenure with the franchise from 2021 to 2022.
Interim pitching coach Tim Leveque arrives with deep familiarity under Mozeliak, having spent the past 20 years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, most recently working as a scouting department pitching analyst in 2025. Michael Wuertz spent the past 11 years within the Angels’ farm system after pitching eight major league seasons with the Cubs and Athletics.
Pitching Struggles Amid a Challenging Season
The coaching shakeup occurs as the Angels hold the worst record in the Majors at 45-74. The pitching staff has struggled mightily, posting a combined 4.51 ERA that ranks as the seventh-worst mark in the league while issuing an MLB-high 508 walks according to league statistics.
Despite those team-wide struggles, individual pitchers like José Soriano and Reid Detmers made noticeable strides, while traded relievers such as Chase Silseth and Ryan Zeferjahn posted strong performances prior to the trade deadline. Mozeliak noted that hitting coaches remain secure in their positions, observing that the offensive staff has implemented provided data tools effectively.
“We have 48 days left in this season. We’re going to play 43 games. I view this as an opportunity. I see this as a chance for us to make a difference.”
John Mozeliak, interim general manager
He believes the remaining schedule provides a vital window for the team to evaluate its progress and implement necessary adjustments before the next season begins.