The Anaheim Angels dismissed pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti, and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott on Tuesday. Interim general manager John Mozeliak acted after player interviews revealed the coaching staff failed to sufficiently utilize organizational technology and data resources during a difficult 45-74 season.
Sweeping coaching changes rarely arrive on the first day of a home series following a hard-fought victory, yet the front office in Anaheim decided waiting was no longer an option. Following discussions with manager Kurt Suzuki and various players, interim general manager John Mozeliak pulled the plug on a veteran pitching staff that had accumulated decades of big-league dugout experience (as reported by MLB Trade Rumors). Double-A pitching coach Tim Leveque and minor league assistant pitching coordinator Michael Wuertz step into the interim roles immediately.
Technology Gap Drives Staff Dismissals
The underlying catalyst for the sudden housecleaning was not merely a 4.51 ERA that ranks as the seventh-worst mark in the majors (according to MLB) or a league-high 508 walks issued. Instead, front-office evaluations pointed directly at a persistent failure to harness modern analytical tools, such as Trackman tracking and biomechanics data.
Mozeliak acknowledged that the organization already possesses all the necessary hardware and data systems, removing financial investment as an excuse. The friction lay in inconsistent daily implementation.
“Just over the time of talking with different staff members, different players, and there’s just this undercurrent of trying to get ourselves to be using all the different tools that you see a lot of pitchers use today. Obviously the word tech will probably be said a few times. Just really try to leverage that in how we help players grow. I think there was becoming some level of frustration with the inconsistency of that.”
John Mozeliak, Interim General Manager
Left-hander Reid Detmers corroborated the front office’s findings, noting that he had to personally request the use of Trackman systems during his bullpen sessions following the All-Star break. If we have it, might as well use it, right?
Veteran Resumes Meet Organizational Turnover
The dismissed trio brought immense institutional pedigree to the dugout. Mike Maddux entered his 24th consecutive year as a major league pitching coach, boasting prior stops with the Brewers, Rangers, Nationals, and Cardinals (detailed by MLB Trade Rumors). Darryl Scott brought years of experience from Colorado, while Dom Chiti returned to Anaheim after prior stints across the American League.
The dismissals punctuate a chaotic year that already saw former general manager Perry Minasian dismissed six weeks prior.
“My goal was not to make any staffing changes until the season ended. However, after discussions with the coaches, interviews with players, reflection, self-reflection on where we are, we decided it was time to make a change. 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. Expectations to implement our processes and use all our tools will be mandated.”
John Mozeliak, Interim General Manager
Looking Ahead to the Final 43 Games
While the pitching department undergoes a forced modernization under Leveque and Wuertz, the offensive side of the clubhouse remains untouched.
With 43 games remaining on the schedule, the front office is shifting its internal culture toward a unified player-development model. Whether the forced embrace of data can spark improvement on the mound before a dismal 45-74 campaign concludes remains the final test for a transitioning franchise.
