Pending a physical, the Los Angeles Angels have made a move to help their rotation as we get closer towards playoffs. In a trade with the San Diego Padres, the Angels will receive Huston Street as well as a minor leaguer for second baseman Taylor Lindsey, right-hander R.J.. Alvarez, shortstop Jose Rondon and another minor leaguer.
Heading into Friday night the Angels trailed the Oakland A's by 1 1/2 games. The Angels were looking to upgrade at closer and they have done that with Street. The two-time All-Star brings 24 saves this season with a 1.09 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 34 strikeouts and seven walks through 33 innings pitched. The Angels also acquired reliever Jason Grilli in a trade last month with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Grilli, who struggled early but has pitched well for the Angels, has a 1.29 ERA since the trade.
The Angels (57-37) currently have the second best record in the American League, trailing only the A's (60-36). This acquisition doesn't necessarily put them over the top to surpass Oakland, but the keys to winning a championship and making the playoffs come from minor changes here and there to improve the roster. The change of scenery will be nice for Street, who knows the AL West well after playing his first four seasons in Oakland.