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In addition to looking for starting pitching help on the trade market this summer, the Angels are aggressively pursuing left-handed relief help. According to a report from Jayson Stark of ESPN.com, the team is currently focused on acquiring left-handed relievers instead of a closer.
The Angels, who have lost southpaws Brian Moran and Sean Burnett to season-ending Tommy John surgery and also have Tyler Skaggs on the disabled list, are currently using a bullpen that includes no left-handers. They are expected to make a move for a lefty in the next few days, or could call up an arm from Triple-A like Dustin Richardson, Justin Thomas or the recently re-signed Wade LeBlanc.
As Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reported at the end of May, options like Antonio Bastardo (Phillies), Troy Patton (Padres), or Sean Marshall (Reds) could be of interest to the Angels on the trade market. Just speculation here, but Joe Thatcher (Diamondbacks) or Andrew Miller (Red Sox) could also be good fits if the Halos are interested.
One name who is almost certain to draw interest is Indians' southpaw Josh Outman, who was designated for assignment early in the week and will be traded or waived within the next ten days. Outman hasn't been awful this year, posting a 3.28 ERA in 24.2 innings, but he has walked 16 in that time. He has held lefties to a .180 batting average in 58 plate appearances so far this season, meaning that he would seem to be a great fit as a LOOGY for the Angels' bullpen.