Angels' Fifth Starter Job Up for Grabs as Manoah Struggles

Former All-Star Manoah fails to impress in spring training, opening the door for other pitchers to claim the final rotation spot.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:20am

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The Los Angeles Angels' search for a fifth starter has taken an unexpected turn as former All-Star pitcher Alek Manoah continues to struggle in spring training. Manoah, who was expected to have the inside track on the job, has failed to impress in multiple outings, prompting the Angels to look elsewhere to fill the final spot in their rotation.

Why it matters

The Angels' rotation depth has become a concern, as Manoah's inability to regain his previous form has left the team without a clear fifth starter. This opens up competition for the job, with several other pitchers vying for the opportunity to break camp with the big-league club.

The details

Manoah, who the Angels signed to a low-salary deal in the offseason, has been unable to recapture the success he had earlier in his career. In his most recent outing, he gave up four runs on eight hits, including two home runs, in just four innings of work. This follows a previous start where he walked five batters and struggled with both velocity and command.

  • On March 5, 2026, Manoah had his second consecutive poor outing in spring training.
  • On March 7, 2026, Italy's Sam Aldegheri looked great in the World Baseball Classic, while Jack Kochanowicz and Mitch Ferris have also impressed in Angels camp.

The players

Alek Manoah

A former All-Star pitcher who the Angels signed in the offseason, but has struggled to regain his previous form in spring training.

George Klassen

A pitcher the Angels are considering for the fifth starter role, with his combination of upside and career trajectory making him an attractive option.

Sam Aldegheri

An Italian pitcher who looked impressive in the World Baseball Classic, and is now in the mix for the Angels' fifth starter job.

Jack Kochanowicz

A pitcher in the Angels' camp who has been looking decent and is also in contention for the final rotation spot.

Mitch Ferris

An Angels pitcher who has added significant velocity to his pitches, making him a potential candidate for the fifth starter role.

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What they’re saying

“This is not an MLB-quality pitcher”

— Thomas Nestico (Twitter)

What’s next

The Angels are not tipping their hand on who will ultimately claim the fifth starter job, but the competition has become more wide open as Manoah continues to struggle in spring training.

The takeaway

The Angels' search for a fifth starter has taken an unexpected turn, as former All-Star Alek Manoah has failed to impress in spring training, opening the door for other pitchers to claim the final rotation spot. This highlights the importance of having depth and competition in a team's pitching staff, as the Angels must now look to other options to solidify their rotation.