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The Angels added more pitching on Saturday, acquiring right-handed pitcher Hunter Strickland from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Today the #Angels acquired RHP Hunter Strickland from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) May 15, 2021
Strickland, 32, is having one of the best seasons of his career through the first months. In 13 appearances out of the bullpen, he owns a 1.69 ERA and an ERA+ of 229. He’s struck out 16 in 16 innings and has issued six walks.
The Angels could desperately use a jolt in their bullpen, as they currently have the second worst earned run average (5.32) in the American League.
2019 and 2020 were rough for the right-handed, but from 2014-2018 he was one of the more underrated relievers in all of baseball. During that stretch, he posted a 2.91 ERA and 138 ERA+ in 226 innings. Strickland struck out 211, and even had 19 saves during that stretch as well.
Why trade a reliever with a 1.69 ERA? Hunter Strickland is out of options, and Rays have been carrying 14 pitchers. Other relievers throwing well. Several players on IL almost back. Strickland signed minor-league deal in Feb., then got chance due to injuries. Angels need help.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 15, 2021
With the current state of the bullpen, things can’t get much worse. Hopefully Strickland continues his dominance and is a helpful addition to the club.