Angels trade for LaMonte Wade Jr. and make moves around the bullpen

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Since the conclusion of Sunday's game against the Mariners, the Angels have been busy making moves across the roster.

Just minutes after the game, the Angels announced they traded for LaMonte Wade Jr. from the San Francisco Giants and designated Michael Darrell-Hicks for assignment. On Monday, the moves continued after they announced former Rule 5 pick Garrett McDaniels had been designated for assignment. The team also optioned José  Fermin to Triple-A and called up Shaun Anderson.

Angels trade for LaMonte Wade Jr.

Wade Jr. was designated for assignment on Wednesday by the Giants, but was traded to the Angels in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

The Angels' offense has needed a left-handed bat in their lineup all season long, despite their initial efforts to sign one over the offseason. In 2023, Wade Jr. hit 17 home runs with a .417 slugging percentage and .256 average.

"We certainly needed a left-handed bat." Angels manager Ron Washington said, "And he's had some very good reviews from people we know. And he can play both corner outfields."

Wade Jr. was a fan favorite during his time in San Francisco and was well known for his late-inning heroics for the team, coming through in the clutch when the team needed him most.

"I just want to come in and work hard. Help out anywhere I can." Wade Jr. said.

Washington said that for now, he will primarily play in the corner outfield, despite having played 45 games at first base this season for the Giants.

"I feel fine with that," Wade Jr. said. "It's been a while since I got out there but I got out here today. Got some early work, I'm just gonna work my hardest to get better out there and everything. I know I can do it."

Before playing for the Giants, Wade Jr. was traded from the Twins to San Francisco in exchange for Shaun Anderson. Both players careers have come full circle now as the two are now teammates.

"We're looking forward to seeing him when he gets here and sit down with him and see where his head is and decide how we want to use him." Washington said.

Garrett McDaniel DFA'd

After making the opening day roster this season, McDaniels was designated for assignment after completing his rehab assignment last week.

McDaniels was on the Angels' injured list after suffering a left biceps injury in April. On June 3, he was sent to Triple-A to complete a rehab assignment.

During his rehab assignment, McDaniels played in just two games in Triple-A. During that stretch, he pitched in three innings and gave up four runs on three hits while having three walks and four strikeouts.

In Spring Training, McDaniels was a question mark to make the Opening Day roster. Appearing in eight games, he delivered nine innings of work and gave up only three runs with four strikeouts.

Washington said he hasn't spoken with McDaniels yet, but did say he was aware of his velocity declining.

"Sometimes it comes down to making decisions and they've got to be tough," Washington said. "But the thing about the game of baseball, you've got to make decisions and that was a tough one. But we had to make it."

Jose Fermin called up in exchange for Shaun Anderson

Fermin was just activated from the injured list on Friday after being out with a right elbow impingement on May 18.

Fermin pitched appeared in the eighth inning of Sunday's game and went 1 2/3 innings while giving up one hit and striking out three batters.

At 23 years old, he's shown a lot of hope as a potential key piece out of the bullpen for the Angels in the future. This season, he's appeared in 10 games and has struck out 15 batters.

"We needed length," Washington said. "As well as he pitched. I know Seattle is wondering why we sent him out."

Washington added that he does expect Fermin to return to the Angels roster this season.

"No doubt about it. Just got to continue to see how things continue to work out here. He's not going forever. He'll be back."

Pre-Game Notes

Jorge Soler had an MRI for a groin injury after exiting Saturday's game with a groin injury in the second inning. It was the second time since May 31, that Soler exited the game early for a groin injury.

This story was updated with additional reporting on Tuesday, June 10.