Introduction to Jo Adell’s Challenges
ANAHEIM — Pitchers are beginning to adjust to Jo Adell. Now it’s up to Adell to adjust to them. The Angels’ right fielder has shown he can hit the ball extremely hard this season, owning one of the top 50 average exit velocities in the majors (91.5 mph), but he’s also the only MLB player with at least 23 home runs and an on-base percentage below .300.
Adell’s Performance Analysis
Though he’s already established career highs of 26 home runs and 76 RBIs this season, Adell has also struck out nearly four times as much as he’s walked, including 19 strikeouts and just one walk through the first 15 games this month. Adell said part of the problem is he’s been swinging at too many 3-and-2 pitches that are out of the strike zone. He singled, doubled and homered in an 11-5 win against the A’s in 10 innings on Sunday, but he struck out the other two times on borderline full-count pitches.
Room for Improvement
“Overall, the quality of at-bats have been better, but in those last pitches of the at-bat, 3-2 counts where it’s one pitch one way or the other, I need to do a better job there,” he said before the Angels took on the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series on Monday night at Angel Stadium. Angels manager Ray Montgomery said recognizing borderline balls and strikes in all situations is something that can be improved. “We spend a lot of time talking about different things like that,” Montgomery said. “When you’re going through stretches where you don’t feel as good, you’re more apt to (chase). The beauty of Jo and the curse of Jo, at times, and he’s improved this significantly, is you’re going to get some of that. You’re going to get some all or nothing-type stuff.”
Neto Honored
Angels shortstop Zach Neto was named the American League Player of the Week after going 8 for 25 last week with four home runs and eight RBIs. “It’s awesome,” he said. “A big honor to be player of the week, but there’s a lot of work to do. We’re just trying to keep our momentum going, and we’ve got a pretty good Cincinnati team on the other side.” Neto is fully aware of his counterpart on the Reds, two-time All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who already owns 57 home runs and 133 stolen bases in 383 MLB games. Neto has 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases in 344 MLB games.
Climbing the RBI Ladder
Angels left fielder Taylor Ward entered the Cincinnati series with a career-high 90 RBIs, putting him on pace for 118 this season. In the past 20 seasons, only Vladimir Guerrero in 2007 (125) and Albert Pujols in 2016 (119) have produced more RBIs for the Angels than that projected total. Ward also has a career-high 29 home runs and 27 doubles and is just three runs shy of matching another career-best of 73 (done in 2022 and 2024). “You can pretty much set your clock to him,” Montgomery said of Ward. “He’s maybe the most reliable, dependable … all the kind of words you’d love to hear about how you go about your day, how you go about your work and what he brings to the team.”
Injury Updates
Angels reliever Robert Stephenson will likely make at least one more rehab appearance after his second went well on Sunday night, Montgomery said. Stephenson threw a hitless inning of relief for Triple-A Salt Lake in Sugar Land, Texas, striking out two of the three batters he faced and topping out at 97 mph with his fastball and 86 mph with his cutter and slider. “Came through healthy, felt good throwing, so he’s in a good spot,” Montgomery said. Stephenson surrendered a two-run homer in one inning of work in his first rehab assignment last Thursday night. Montgomery said Stephenson’s next appearance will likely be closer to Anaheim at Class-A Inland Empire. “Just to see what he feels like, maybe on a day’s rest or something like that,” Montgomery said. “It’s not conclusive yet.” Angels outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler is still going through testing on his back and there has been no change to his status. He has not played since July 23. “I wouldn’t say he hasn’t progressed,” Montgomery said. “Obviously, talking to him, he does feel a little better, but those things can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with that part of your body.”
Up Next
Reds (RHP Hunter Greene, 5-3, 2.47 ERA) at Angels (RHP Kyle Hendricks, 6-8, 4.88.13 ERA), Tuesday, 6:38 p.m., FDSN West, 830 AM
Conclusion
Jo Adell’s performance this season has been a mixed bag, with impressive home runs and RBIs but also a high strikeout rate. As pitchers adjust to him, Adell must also adapt to their strategies. The Angels’ manager and players recognize the need for improvement in recognizing borderline balls and strikes. Meanwhile, other Angels players like Zach Neto and Taylor Ward are making significant contributions to the team. The upcoming games against the Reds will be a crucial test for the Angels.
FAQs
Q: What is Jo Adell’s current challenge in his game?
A: Jo Adell is struggling with swinging at too many 3-and-2 pitches that are out of the strike zone, leading to a high strikeout rate.
Q: Who was named the American League Player of the Week?
A: Zach Neto was named the American League Player of the Week after going 8 for 25 last week with four home runs and eight RBIs.
Q: What is Taylor Ward’s current pace for RBIs this season?
A: Taylor Ward is on pace for 118 RBIs this season, which would be one of the highest totals for the Angels in the past 20 seasons.
Q: What is the status of Robert Stephenson’s rehab appearance?
A: Robert Stephenson will likely make at least one more rehab appearance after his second went well on Sunday night.
Q: What is the upcoming game schedule for the Angels?
A: The Angels will play the Reds on Tuesday at 6:38 p.m., with the Reds’ Hunter Greene facing the Angels’ Kyle Hendricks.
