Angels Secure Cody Laweryson's Services
The Los Angeles Angels have made a strategic move by claiming right-handed reliever Cody Laweryson off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. This acquisition brings the Angels' 40-man roster to 34 players, while the Twins' roster drops to 38. Laweryson, who will turn 28 next May, made his MLB debut this past season, showcasing his talent with 7.3 innings pitched and one run allowed. The 6'4" right-hander demonstrated impressive control, striking out seven batters out of 26 and not issuing a single walk. His four-seam fastball averaged 93.2 mph, complemented by a cutter and changeup, forming a potent three-pitch arsenal.
This season marked a successful chapter in Laweryson's career. He split time between Double-A and Triple-A, accumulating a 2.86 ERA in 44 innings of relief. His performance included a 24.6% strikeout rate, 7.7% walk rate, and an impressive 46.3% ground-ball rate. These numbers highlight his ability to dominate at the minor league level.
The Twins' decision to trade five relievers at the deadline, replacing them with prospects and young controllable players, led to Laweryson's availability on the waiver wire. With the Twins' bullpen consisting primarily of journeyman stopgaps for the final months of the season, it's likely they will further trim their 40-man roster. This move provides the Angels with a valuable addition to their pitching staff, while also creating an opportunity for the Twins to reshape their bullpen strategy.
