It’s not hard to see why the Angels aren’t winning. Here’s how their rotation has fared since the All-Star break:
Jered Weaver: 5-1, 2.83 ERA
Dan Haren: 2-2, 5.04 ERA
Ervin Santana: 2-1, 5.06 ERA
Zack Greinke: 1-1, 5.54 ERA (since being acquired)
C.J. Wilson: 0-4, 5.61 ERA
Besides Kevin Jepsen, all of the relievers have ERAs over 5.00, too.
In light of his recent struggles, the Angels have decided to skip Haren’s next turn in the rotation. He actually pitched well in his first three starts after the break, only to give up 12 runs -- 10 earned -- in seven innings in his last two starts.
On Thursday, Haren surrendered seven hits, two of them homers, in 3 1/3 innings versus a Rays lineup that had gone 27 up and 27 down against Felix Hernandez the day before.
Haren’s troublesome back appears to be playing a role here, though he says it’s not as bad as it was earlier this season. The plan is for him to rejoin the rotation next Saturday against the Tigers. The Angels have Monday off, so they won’t need to replace him.