Angels designate Deolis Guerra to make room for newly acquired Austin Adams

In what is somewhat of a confusing move (for me), Billy Eppler grabbed Austin Adams from Cleveland today and DFA’d Deolis Guerra to make room. In return, the Angels will send a player to be named later or cash back to the Indians.

Guerra was one of the more solid pieces that came out of a rather lackluster bullpen in 2016, putting on a 3.21 ERA and 1.106 WHIP in 53.1 innings. I can only assume Eppler thinks he will clear waivers but I’m not sure why someone wouldn’t snag him. I’m confused as to why you’d want to DFA a guy who had such a great season for one who was pretty horrible.

For his part in 2016, Austin Adams (not to be confused with the minor league Austin Adams the Angels have), had a 9.82 ERA in 18.1 innings and dismal 1.855 WHIP. Prior to that, Adams manage a pretty good season in 2015 with a 3.78 ERA through 33.1 innings.

Oh to be privy to Eppler’s brain on this move. If any of you have a good spin on this, I’m willing to listen.