LA Angels Claim Local Boy Noe Ramirez From Red Sox

The LA Angels dealt away David Hernandez at the deadline, parting ways with (arguably) their best relief pitcher. Their bullpen is still strong, but they may have found some solid depth in Noe Ramirez.

The LA Angels claimed the right-handed reliever on Friday after he was waived by the Boston Red Sox. Ramirez, originally from the Los Angeles area, owns a 3.86 ERA on the season in two games. He attended Cal State Fullerton in his college days, before being a fourth round pick in 2011.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

Ramirez is the typical case of struggling to make the jump to the MLB. In his Triple-A career, he owns a 2.60 ERA while striking out 9.9 batters per nine innings. However, that average falls to just 5.8 in The Show.

Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels, where he’ll likely spend the next few weeks. However, when rosters expand, he will be a front runner for a spot, especially with the Angels flirting with the playoffs.

Billy Eppler does have a good run with waiver claims in his time with the Angels. Yusmeiro Petit, Blake Parker, and Bud Norris all arrived in Anaheim that way. There is also hope that Ramirez could be valuable down the stretch, as his career 4.99 ERS drops to 3.60 in September and October.

The LA Angels bullpen has been their strongest unit this season, as long as the relievers are used wisely. Adding Ramirez, who could be a valuable piece in the seventh or eighth innings, would allow for Cam Bedrosian, Parker, and Petit to pitch high pressure innings.

Halo fans won’t like the mention of 2002, but the bullpen was the reason the Halos were able to make so many comebacks in the playoffs, and especially the World Series. That’s something the Angels have done quite well this year too, with 37 comebacks wins.

Next: LA Angels Future Outfield Looking Promising

The LA Angels more than likely just grabbed a depth reliever. Nonetheless, those kind of players can make all the difference in October.