Angels add relievers García, Chafin in trade with Nationals

ANAHEIM -- After winning three in a row to move within four games of the third and final AL Wild Card spot, the Angels acted as buyers on Wednesday, a day ahead of Thursday’s Trade Deadline.

The Angels acquired veteran relievers Luis García and Andrew Chafin from the Nationals, sending lefty Jake Eder and Double-A first baseman Sam Brown to Washington. The Angels designated left-hander José Quijada for assignment in a corresponding roster move after he threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief upon being brought up last week.

García was active but didn't pitch in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Rangers that kept the Angels four games behind the Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot, while Chafin will be activated before Friday's series opener against the White Sox.

“I think it's a good message,” interim manager Ray Montgomery said. “We added experience in the bullpen, which was one of the things we talked about that we definitely were lacking. It wasn't a performance thing with those guys, just youth.”

TRADE DETAILS
Angels to receive: LHP Andrew Chafin, RHP Luis García
Nationals to receive: LHP Jake Eder, Minor League 1B Sam Brown

It’s a signal the Angels aren’t looking to sell as they attempt to make the postseason for the first time since 2014. Closer Kenley Jansen said after Tuesday’s game that he was hopeful they would add instead of subtract at the Deadline. He was considered a top trade candidate but now appears less likely to be moved.

“I still believe in this team,” Jansen said. “I can't control what they control. But I came here with one mission to try to help turn things around.”

Superstar Mike Trout, the club’s lone player remaining from their playoff appearance in ‘14, said he believes the team chemistry has been better than in recent years, which is why they’ve surprised this season. And like Jansen, he said he still likes his team’s chances of contending.

“I've been saying this since Day One, we’ve got a tight group in here,” Trout said. “We play for each other. There's been some good games, bad games, but we turn the page quick, and we pull for each other.”

This marks García’s third stint with the club after he also pitched with the Angels in 2019 and last season before he was moved at last year’s Deadline to the Red Sox for prospects Ryan Zeferjahn, Niko Kavadas, Matthew Lugo and Yeferson Vargas. He now joins Zeferjahn in the bullpen as a right-handed option along with Sam Bachman, Connor Brogdon and Jansen.

García, 38, posted a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings with the Nationals after he had a 5.27 ERA in 27 1/3 innings earlier this season with the Dodgers, who designated him for assignment on June 29. He has a combined 4.10 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings this year, and he gives the Angels another right-handed setup option out of the bullpen. He has a career 4.14 ERA in 13 years in the Majors, including a 4.09 ERA in 105 2/3 innings with the Halos.

“He's a pro, he's a veteran,” Montgomery said. “He's pitched in every role from the fifth to the ninth inning. He's closed games, done everything. So it's nice to have him. And then the fact that we have Zef now because of him is funny.”

The trade replenishes a bullpen that is missing veteran Hunter Strickland, who is out until September with a right shoulder strain, and Ben Joyce, who is done for the year after undergoing right shoulder labrum surgery. Fellow right-hander Robert Stephenson is also out with a nerve issue in his shoulder, but he threw off a mound for the first time as part of his recovery on Wednesday.

Chafin, 35, has posted a 2.70 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 20 innings this season and has a career 3.39 ERA over 12 seasons in the Majors. He becomes another lefty in the bullpen, joining Reid Detmers and Brock Burke.

“He is an unbelievable competitor,” Montgomery said. “He's been showing that for years. He's willing to take the ball in any situation. He'll take the ball often. Being left-handed with a breaking ball, it gives you a lot of room and he’s been doing it for a long time.”