Kochanowicz and Johnson aim for bounce-back seasons
Right-handers Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson both struggled in the majors last year, but now come into 2026 with adjustments to their arsenals in hopes of better fortunes this year.
Jack Kochanowicz #41 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts during a game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on July 10, 2025, in Anaheim, California. ANAHEIM, Calif. — A common theme surrounding the Angels in 2026 is the hope for a bounce-back season.
They spent the winter buying low on once good players who have struggled in recent years, with the hopes that those players can somehow regain the magic. However, the Angels are also looking for bounce-back seasons from their home-grown right-handers in the back of the rotation. Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson both cracked the big league club out of spring training last season, but struggled mightily in their stints.
Both have differing circumstances surrounding their situations, but both find themselves anchoring the Angels' rotation to start the season. Kochanowicz, the Angels' 2019 third-round pick, didn’t make his professional debut until 2021 and worked his way through the minor leagues for three seasons before his MLB debut in 2024. His first taste of the big leagues was a success.
After two shaky starts, Kochanowicz settled in and pitched to a 2. 78 ERA in the remaining nine starts to end the season. After a strong spring training last season, Kochanowicz won the fifth starter role in the rotation.
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