The Angels have designated right-handed reliever Al Alburquerque for assignment, according to the team’s director of communications, Eric Kay (Twitter link). Additionally, the Halos have selected the contract of fellow righty reliever Deolis Guerra from Triple-A Salt Lake City.
Los Angeles signed Alburquerque to a one-year, major league contract in January, but the former Tiger ultimately pitched for the Angels’ minor league affiliate instead. In 15 innings, the 29-year-old struck out a batter per frame and posted an outstanding 2.40 ERA, though the control problems that have long plagued him continued to do so (5.40 BB/9). In 225 career major league innings, all with Detroit, Alburquerque has recorded mostly solid numbers (3.20 ERA/3.34 FIP/3.44 xFIP, 11.04 K/9, 5.00 BB/9), but his run prevention left quite a bit to be desired in both 2013 and ’15.
Guerra’s major league experience consists entirely of the 16 2/3 frames of 6.48 ERA ball he racked up with Pittsburgh last season. He logged a solid 3.5 K/BB, though, and began this season with five scoreless innings for Salt Lake.
Alburquerque used to have about the best slider going cpl years back with the Tigers, He could have thrown that pitch every time, batter knowing it was coming and been good, IF able to throw for strikes.
Somebody with a really good coaching staff needs him on a minors deal that only works on mechanics.. His delivery was violent as remember. Maybe give him a decent amount as incentive.. Even 2y to make sure the signing team would get something out of the possible fix.
Remember how filthy he was when could throw that thing, just not hittable.
I don’t quite understand this move… Albuquerque has shown solid ML numbers in his career…
Probably out of options, so this is his last year in the minors. For all the Angels’ issues, bullpen depth isn’t really one of them. Seems like he was destined never to play for their major league team.
Guerra is a great story, over 10 years in the minors before getting his shot with Bucs last year. He pitched really well his first few times out, then got shelled in a couple outings. Bucs lost him on waiver claim trying to sneak him off 40 man roster.
Blue Jays should snag him
He would be a good fit for the Red Sox