The Los Angeles Angels have bolstered their bullpen with the addition of Joey Lucchesi, a reliever who previously played for the San Diego Padres, as announced by the team on Tuesday.
Following his release by the Giants on Sunday, the Angels plan to include the experienced closer in their Opening Day roster, prompted by the knee injury to right-handed reliever Kirby Yates.
With Yates placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left knee, Lucchesi will be an extra arm in the bullpen for the Angels. The 33-year-old switched to a relief role last season, delivering a 3.76 ERA over 38 1/3 innings in 38 appearances.
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Angels manager Kurt Suzuki shared his experience facing Lucchesi during his time with the Padres.
“I faced him, actually, when I played when he was a starter with the Padres,” Suzuki said. “I know he’s got a funky delivery. I know he’s had some success the last, I believe, couple years with the Giants. I know he was in the bullpen with the Giants last year. I imagine him being really tough on lefties.”
This offseason, the Angels also signed Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz, and Brent Suter, with Lucchesi joining Pomeranz and Suter as the third left-handed reliever.
Brewers Strengthen Bullpen with Jake Woodford Signing
The Milwaukee Brewers have enhanced their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Jake Woodford from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for K.C. Hunt and cash.
In the 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Woodford recorded a 0-4 record, three saves, a 6.44 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.60, with 23 strikeouts over 36 ⅓ innings. Brewers manager Pat Murphy expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition of the seasoned closer.
“I think he’s built up to 40-plus pitches,” Murphy said. “He definitely has a history. Obviously, we’re excited about acquiring him. With our inexperience and that type of thing we feel he can be an upgrade.
“The front office has done an incredible job of always being mindful and on point when it comes to trying to make an upgrade in some way. Multi-inning guy that has MLB experience, hopefully is at a good stage in his career.”
Woodford, who signed a minor-league contract with the Rays post-2025 season, showcased a 1.23 ERA and a WHIP of 0.82 in four Spring Training games.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
