The Angels announced the signing of reliever Hunter Strickland to a minor league deal. He’ll be in MLB camp as a non-roster invitee.
A veteran of nine big league seasons, Strickland has appeared at the MLB level with eight clubs. The Angels are among that group. The right-hander made nine appearances with the Halos back in 2021. He allowed nine runs in 6 1/3 innings in an unexceptional stint before being designated for assignment and flipped to the Brewers in a cash transaction. Strickland went on to turn in a 1.73 ERA in 35 appearances with Milwaukee.
After a strong four-plus year run with the Giants to begin his MLB career, Strickland’s performance has been more volatile in recent seasons. Following his strong finish to the ’21 campaign, he struggled for the Reds in 2022. Strickland was tagged for nearly five earned runs per nine over 66 appearances. He settled for a minor league pact a year ago, returning to the Cincinnati organization.
That second stint proved brief. The 35-year-old pitched 12 times for Triple-A Louisville, allowing 14 runs over 11 frames. The Reds released him during the second week of May. Strickland sat out the remainder of the season but will give things another go this spring.
It’s unlikely he’d be able to land a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The Halos have Carlos Estévez, Robert Stephenson, Matt Moore, Luis García, Adam Cimber and José Cisnero as virtual locks for the MLB roster. None of that group can be optioned to the minors, nor can swingman José Suarez. Strickland will presumably head to Triple-A Salt Lake to serve as injury insurance.
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