On the same day the Los Angeles Angels claimed two pitchers off waivers, they announced that one of them, right-hander Nick Robertson, would be sent directly to Triple-A Salt Lake instead of joining the major league team for their game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Robertson was claimed from the St. Louis Cardinals, while left-hander Brock Burke was picked up from the Texas Rangers. Both pitchers had recently been designated for assignment (DFA’d) on Sunday.
Despite having two open spots on their 40-man roster, the Angels chose to send Robertson to the minors immediately. Burke, who isn’t listed on the Angels’ lineup sheet for Tuesday, doesn’t have to be added to the roster or assigned to the minors until he officially reports.
Robertson had a rough 2023 season, pitching for both the Dodgers and the Red Sox, posting a 6.04 ERA over 22.1 innings. After being DFA’d by the Cardinals when they activated pitcher Riley O’Brien from the injured list, Robertson was claimed by the Angels. His minor league performance with Triple-A Memphis was even worse, with a 7.48 ERA over 21.2 innings.
Burke, who had been solid for the Rangers’ bullpen in 2022 and early 2023, saw a significant decline in performance over the past year. His struggles began in the playoffs last season and continued into 2024, where he recorded a 9.22 ERA over 13.2 innings in the majors. He also spent time with Triple-A Round Rock, posting a 5.31 ERA over 20.1 innings.
The Angels, looking to bolster their depleted bullpen after the trade deadline, are trying to avoid promoting inexperienced arms. With Ben Joyce stepping up as the new closer after Carlos Estevez was traded to the Phillies, the Angels are searching for the right pieces to help them finish the 2024 season.
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