Considering the Idaho Falls Chukars brought in a primarily new roster — only four returners from 2025 — it is only natural that there are growing pains early in 2026.

But few could have foreseen a 1-12 start that has the Chuks a mere half-game up on the Pioneer League last-place RedPocket Mobiles.

Idaho Falls general manager Chris Hall and his staff made 18 roster moves on June 1 as he and manager Les Lancaster continue to search for the right puzzle pieces. Do not expect Monday’s mass exodus to be the last of its kind this summer:

“They’ve had enough time to prove themselves and it’s just time to make a complete overhaul change,” Lancaster said, mainly of his bullpen, which has done little to inspire faith in him or pitching coach Bob Milacki.

“We’ve got some bright spots. We’ve just got to get a few more pieces in place,” Lancaster added. “We’re going to bring in some different position players. Our main guys are going to be here. But the bullpen guys, there’s going to be some changes.”

Through 13 games, the Chukars have a league-worst 170 runs allowed and combined WHIP (2.48) as opposing teams have typically used a sixth- or seventh-inning rally to pile on runs and sink their chances of securing that next victory.

Lancaster and Milacki have also seen 10 of their arms record ERAs above 10.00 through the opening several weeks, only some of which are still with the team.

Some of those bright spots in the pen include newcomers Blake Barker and Ryan Inouye, each of whom impressed Lancaster in their Wednesday debuts.

Outfielder Robert Estrada also threw a clean ninth on Tuesday; he will have more pitching duties moving forward.

The starting pitching has been far from the biggest problem, too; Josh Leerssen has a 5.63 ERA over 16 innings with 21 strikeouts and 9 walks, Ian Lanik has a 6.23 ERA over 13 innings with a 9-5 K/BB ratio, and despite Seth Spencer’s 9.22 ERA, he has shown the ability to command the zone and battle through outings.

Offensively, Idaho Falls has to feel good about its lineup, particularly the top of the order with shortstop Ty Dooley, outfielder Sam Canton, do-everything fielder Garret Ostrander and outfielder Wes “Wes! Wes! Wes!” Mitchell all proving formidable.

Mitchell is slashing .380/.483/.700, Canton sports a .357/.471/.589 line, Ostrander has gone .352/.429/.426 and while Dooley has a more modest .256 batting average, he provides speed and some pop at the leadoff spot, as well as helping secure the infield defense from the six.

As a team, the offense ranks fifth in the Pioneer League in batting average (.309) and sixth in hits (149), and even more slugging should come as Melaleuca Field’s outfield warms deeper into summer nights.

Lancaster, Milacki, hitting coach Joe Alvarez and bench coach Billy Butler have countless years of baseball experience. Lancaster himself has never been in quite this type of rut to begin a campaign, yet that does not mean spirits are down in the clubhouse.

Of course the Chukars wanted and expected a stronger start, and there is plenty of disappointment to go around. But nobody is playing the blame game, and they will keep tweaking the roster until those losses become wins.

“They’re still upbeat and everything because there is a lot of bright spots,” Lancaster said.