The Los Angeles Angels made another series of moves in a buy-low attempt to turn around the careers of a few veteran bullpen arms in hopes they can be serviceable pieces to the roster in 2023 with Chris Devenski and Jonathan Holder.
Devenski, 32, has struggled for the better part of his career outside of 2016 and 2017 with the Houston Astros. He posted earned run averages of 2.16 and 2.68 to kick off his career but hasn’t quite found the same form that made him an All-Star and helped the Houston Astros capture a World Series title.
The Angels are correct to continue taking fliers on veteran arms on Minor League deals, simply because there is no downside. If they work, great. If not, cut bait and move on to the next project. But the belief that the Angels can fix him if the Astros couldn’t figure him out for three seasons after 2017 is a bit much. Still, he should be an interesting addition if something can be done.
Holder spent his entire big league career with the New York Yankees after being drafted there in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft. His best season came in 2018 when he logged a 3.14 ERA in 66 innings pitched. But in two years following, he was unable to find that form and hasn’t pitched at the Major League level since the 60-game season in 2020.
His most recent action came in Triple-A this past season when he posted an ERA of 10.00 in 18 innings with a .358 batting average allowed.
Angels add Chad Wallach & Jacob Webb on Minor League deals
The Angels made a pair of signings this week to add a pair of veterans to their organizational depth in right-hander Jacob Webb and catcher, Chad Wallach, who’s back with the team after spending 12 games with the club this past season.
General manager Perry Minasian has turned a complete flip this offseason by being both fiscally responsible on the high-end market, but he’s also made some additions that have an impact with more than complete ‘boom’ level players. In just his second game with the Angels last season, he was behind the plate for Reid Detmers’ no-hitter, providing a three-run homer in a 12-0 rout that resulted in the team’s 12th no-hitter in franchise history.
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