The state of the Angels’ pitching staff is beginning to resemble last season’s. Desperate for depth to handle the inevitable innings, Angels general manager Billy Eppler struck a deal with Atlanta to acquire right-hander David Hernandez and immediately inserted the veteran into the bullpen.
A year ago, Eppler made a similar trade with the same team when he acquired right-hander Jhoulys Chacin, who soon joined the Angels’ rotation.
The motivation for the moves is similar. The Angels need cover while their injured pitchers heal. Their top three relievers are on the disabled list.