Kochanowicz (Tommy John), Moncada (right knee) to undergo surgeries in massive blow to Angels

ANAHEIM -- It was a rough day on the injury front for the Angels on Tuesday, as right-hander Jack Kochanowicz was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament that will require Tommy John surgery and third baseman Yoán Moncada will undergo right knee surgery next week.

Kochanowicz, who underwent an MRI exam on Monday after feeling discomfort in his elbow while throwing changeups on Saturday, will miss the rest of the season and could miss all of 2027 as well. There’s no timetable for Moncada, who was moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday, and isn’t eligible to return until July 21.

It’s a setback for the Angels, who will have to determine who replaces Kochanowicz in the rotation, while the club’s No. 7 prospect Denzer Guzman was called up on Monday to serve as the club’s regular third baseman.

“Honestly, I didn't think this was in the cards,” Kochanowicz said. “I really thought [my elbow] was just maybe a little angry. I mean, my velo was fine, the fastballs, everything was fine. It really was just the changeup. So I thought I was going to hear back today that it was all right, but it is what it is.”

Kochanowicz, 25, posted a 6.19 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 36 walks in 64 innings over 13 starts. He got off to a strong start with a 3.05 ERA through his first seven outings, but posted an 11.91 ERA over his final six starts, including allowing seven runs while recording just one out against the Dodgers on Saturday. His velocity was normal in that game, with his fastball averaging 97 mph.

Kochanowicz said he didn’t feel his UCL tear on a specific pitch and was simply trying to work his way through discomfort over his last few starts. He was dejected that he’ll miss so much time to rehab his injury and will miss being around his teammates, but he said the diagnosis gave him some clarity on what was going on recently.

“My arm's been feeling tough for probably the past month but I've just been trying to work through it,” Kochanowicz said. “Just because it hasn't exactly been the same exact feeling. I thought it was just kind of like general soreness as I was going through it.”

With Kochanowicz out, the Angels will need to decide on a starter to replace him, with their top options including lefty Sam Aldegheri and right-handers Caden Dana and George Klassen.

Adelgheri, ranked as the club’s No. 16 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was called up on Monday and pitched in an inning in relief. He’s still an option to start on Friday, but Dana has merited strong consideration after throwing six scoreless innings with Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday. Klassen, the club’s No. 4 prospect, gave up two runs over five innings with Salt Lake on Saturday.

“We haven't come up with that yet,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “Obviously with the news being so fresh, we're still kind of looking over our options. [Aldegheri] threw the ball really well last night. And some guys are throwing in Triple-A really well, too.”

Moncada, meanwhile, has been dealing with a balky right knee since last season, but he finally elected to undergo surgery after it flared up in mid-May and he landed on the IL on May 22. He missed 36 days with right knee inflammation last season from early June until early July, so it’s nothing new for him.

But the Angels already have a replacement in Guzman, who is taking over as the regular third baseman after an impressive showing with Salt Lake. Oswald Peraza and Donovan Walton also offer depth at the position.

“We don't know the timetable,” Suzuki said. “All I heard was he decided to get surgery and we’ll know more after it gets done. That’s the best answer I can give you.”