The Angels have claimed southpaws Bobby LaFromboise and Rob Rasmussen off waivers, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports (Twitter links). To clear roster space, the club outrighted right-hander A.J. Achter and released catcher Rafael Lopez.
The 29-year-old LaFromboise threw the ball well last year in the Pirates organization, though he spent most of his time at Triple-A. At Indianapolis, he worked to a 2.98 ERA with 8.6 K/9 versus 3.5 BB/9 in 54 1/3 innings. Though LaFromboise has only received 11 2/3 MLB innings in the past two years, he’s struck out 12 opposing batters and permitted only nine baserunners and two earned runs in that time.
Rasmussen, 26, comes from the Mariners, who acquired him at the trade deadline as part of the swap that sent Mark Lowe to Toronto. He tossed 15 1/3 MLB innings last year, striking out 17 but walking eight batter and permitting 17 earned runs. Rasmussen has shown some promise in the upper minors, though; last year, he put up a 2.30 ERA with 8.4 K/9 against 4.2 BB/9 in 42 Triple-A frames.
Achter, meanwhile, has already pinballed around the league this winter. The 27-year-old has shown some promise at Triple-A, including 48 frames of 2.63 ERA ball (with 8.8 K/9 vs. 2.4 BB/9) last year.
The 28-year-old Lopez put up a .266/.339/.335 slash in 246 plate appearances at the Triple-A level last year. He split his time between the Cubs and Halos organizations.
I thought LaFramboise was on the Pirates’ 40 man roster?
I’m guessing he was designated as part of the Lobstein deal or Vogelsong signing
LaFromboise may stick if he beats out Deolis Guerra. The only problem is, neither can be sent down and LaFromboise could be kept if he cleared which is possible considering he’s almost 30 and has essentially reached his ceiling.
Rasmussen is a younger LaFromboise. He probably wouldn’t clear if put on waivers, but he has options. I just dont get why they would release Lopez. Put him on waivers and collect the $20k. If he clears, hes good depth.
Halos should sign Domonic Brown, at least add to the outfield depth and hope 2 of those guys work out as a platoon.