Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles Angels have taken a firm step in their attempt to qualify for the postseason by acquiring veteran relievers
Luis García and
Andrew Chafin from the Washington Nationals, according to MLB.com journalist Mark Feinsand. Although it has not yet been officially confirmed by the clubs, the agreement involves prospects
Jake Eder (left-handed) and
Sam Brown (first base in Double-A), who will join the capital organization.
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Once the transaction is official, the Angels will have to make adjustments to their roster to accommodate the new arms, with the intention of strengthening a bullpen hit by injuries.
Luis García, return home
For Garcia, 38, this will be his
third stint with the Los Angeles team, after wearing their colors in 2019 and again in 2024, before being traded to the Red Sox. In this 2025 season, he has had a year of contrasts: he started with an ERA of 5.27 in 27.1 innings pitched with the Dodgers, but managed to recover in Washington, where he left an impressive mark of 0.90 in 10 innings worked.
In total, García has a combined ERA of
4.10 with 31 strikeouts in 37.1 innings this year. Throughout his career in the Major Leagues, he maintains an overall ERA of
4.14, including
4.09 in 105.2 innings pitched previously with the Angels. His veteran status and experience in pressure situations make him a key piece for a bullpen that has been struggling for stability.
A bullpen depleted by injuries
The move seeks to cover the voids left by the injuries of pitchers such as
Hunter Strickland, who is out at least until September due to a strain in his right shoulder;
Ben Joyce, who was out for the rest of the year after shoulder surgery; and
Robert Stephenson, who is in the process of recovering from a nerve problem in his shoulder, although he is already close to pitching from the mound.
With the additions of Garcia and Chafin, the Angels not only gain depth, but also experience at a crucial moment, as they continue their fight to reach one of the American League
Wild Card tickets.
