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Angels Fortify Pitching Depth with Two Intriguing Waiver Claims

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The Los Angeles Angels fortified their pitching depth on Tuesday with two separate acquisitions. Per a team announcement, the Angels made a waiver claim for relievers Nick Robertson and Brock Burke from the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, respectively.

Both pitchers were designated for assignment over the weekend by their former clubs. Los Angeles’ 40-man roster count sat at 38 after the team released pitcher Zach Plesac Tuesday morning. The roster is now full following the two waiver claims.

Angels Fortify Bullpen, Claim Nick Robertson and Brock Burke

Nick Robertson

Robertson is an intriguing arm who has bounced around over the past 13 months. The Los Angeles Dodgers traded him to the Boston Red Sox last July, who then dealt him to St. Louis a few months later. The Cardinals needed to add multiple fresh arms this offseason, and Robertson represented an intriguing acquisition.

Unfortunately, the 26-year-old has not excelled as many would have hoped this season. In eight appearances in the majors, Robertson produced a 4.38 ERA (99 ERA+) with solid strikeout and walk rates. That said, the production comes in a small sample size (12 1/3 innings) and with worse results in the minors.

The righty has logged 21 2/3 innings with a 7.48 ERA and a whopping 1.800 WHIP in Triple-A. Roberston missed about a month earlier this season with right elbow inflammation. He returned at the end of June and should be healthy. However, it’s possible his elbow issue is contributing to his struggles, specifically with his uncharacteristically high walk rate.

Roberston walked 16 batters in 21 2/3 Triple-A innings (6.65 BB/9). 4.03 BB/9 represented his previous career-high in the minors, and he twice managed to keep the ratio below 3. The Angels will claim Robertson hoping to help him get back on track. If he develops and reaches his potential, the Angels should receive solid bullpen production with multiple years of inexpensive team control.

Brock Burke

Burke seemed to break out with an excellent 2022 campaign. In 82 1/3 innings, all in relief, the southpaw produced a 1.97 ERA (202 ERA+) with great strikeout and walk rates. Unfortunately, he regressed last season (97 ERA+) and has collapsed this year.

In 13 games, Burke pitched 13 2/3 innings with an ERA of 9.22 (44 ERA+). 2024 started slowly and has continued to snowball. Burke struggled in April, then fractured his non-throwing hand after punching a wall in frustration following a bad outing.

Surgery and rehab sidelined him for about two months. When he returned, Burke did not pitch well and was optioned to Triple-A. Burke’s struggles only continued in the minors, where he posted a 5.31 ERA in 20 1/3 innings.

The Rangers finally decided to give up on the 28-year-old, especially after acquiring a veteran lefty at the trade deadline. That said, Burke throws in the upper 90s and clearly possesses some upside. With multiple veteran relievers entering free agency this offseason, the Angels will hope to tap into Burke’s potential now.

Like Robertson, the Angels claim Burke and his multiple years of team control. Though more struggles could lead them to non-tender Burke, success will likely result in a slight raise on his current $1.035 million salary via arbitration.

 

Photo Credit: © Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

The post Angels Fortify Pitching Depth with Two Intriguing Waiver Claims appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.