Angels re-sign reliever to minor league contract

The Los Angeles Angels have re-signed left-handed reliever Joey Lucchesi to a minor league contract after he was released from his previous minor league deal on Tuesday, according to team transactions.

Lucchesi’s path this season has included multiple roster moves across organizations. He began the year in San Francisco Giants spring training on a minor league contract, where he triggered an opt-out after being informed he would not make the roster. He was then designated for assignment by the Giants a couple of weeks into the season.

Lucchesi signed a major league contract with Los Angeles and made the Opening Day roster, but was designated for assignment just a couple of weeks into the season. After clearing waivers, he elected free agency and returned to the Angels on a minor league deal. He was recalled again in late April, but his MLB performance did not hold up, leading to another DFA and a repeat of the transaction cycle.

Across five major league appearances this season, Lucchesi has allowed six runs on seven hits and six walks over 3 1/3 innings pitched.

At Triple-A Salt Lake, Lucchesi logged 18 innings with a 4.50 ERA. He recorded a 28% strikeout rate and a 9.9% walk rate, though he also allowed three walks and two runs in his most recent outing.

Los Angeles released him from his minor league contract after about a month in Salt Lake before quickly bringing him back on a new minor league deal. His depth role places him alongside left-handers Tayler Saucedo and recently optioned Sam Aldegheri in the organization, while the big-league bullpen currently includes Drew Pomeranz, Brent Suter, and Mitch Farris.

The Angels’ bullpen has remained unsettled throughout the season, and Lucchesi’s repeated signings, designations, and returns demonstrate the ongoing roster instability. The organization has frequently rotated relief options between the majors and Triple-A in search of consistent production.