The Angels are trying to navigate a rocky start to the 2025 season, having just endured their first sweep of the year and currently riding a four-game losing streak. In an effort to stabilize things, they’ve made a move to bolster their bullpen by signing a veteran reliever to a minor league deal. Help is also on the horizon with their starting third baseman expected to return from injury soon, offering a potential spark both offensively and defensively.
Angels News: LAA adds yet another former Braves player
The Angels have added another familiar name to their growing collection of ex-Braves with the signing of veteran reliever Héctor Neris to a minor league deal. The 35-year-old right-hander, who was most recently with Atlanta, continues a clear trend under GM Perry Minasian, whose affinity for former Braves is starting to feel like a running joke—Angel Perdomo, Ian Anderson, Travis d’Arnaud, Jorge Soler, Ron Washington… the list keeps growing.
All jokes aside, Minasian is sticking to his strategy of betting on experienced bullpen arms. Neris joins a Triple-A Salt Lake staff already stacked with similar reclamation projects and veterans like Dakota Hudson, Connor Brogdon, Victor González, Shaun Anderson, Carl Edwards Jr., and Endrys Briceño.
Neris brings a solid resume with him, including a World Series ring from his time with the 2022 Astros and a career-best season in 2023, when he posted strong numbers with Houston. Before that, he spent eight seasons in Philadelphia, then bounced through Houston, Chicago, and Atlanta.
Given the Angels’ struggles on the mound and an underwhelming bullpen full of youth and inconsistency, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Neris pitching in Anaheim before long—especially if he shows signs of his past form down in Triple-A.
Yoán Moncada working his way back from his thumb injury
Per Jeff Fletcher of The OC Register, Yoán Moncada is making progress in his recovery from a sprained right thumb, having started hitting right-handed—but he’s not yet ready to swing from the left side. While he’s been sidelined, Moncada has remained active defensively, continuing to take fielding reps throughout his stint on the injured list. As for what’s next, team evaluators remain undecided on whether the third baseman will go on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated from the 10-day IL. It’s worth noting the Angels initially opted for the shorter IL stint, a sign that they anticipated a relatively quick return.
In the meantime, shortstop Zach Neto is set to be activated before Moncada, giving the Angels a wave of reinforcements on the left side of the infield. With both infielders returning soon, tough roster decisions are looming. Nicky Lopez and J.D. Davis—each out of minor league options—stand out as the most likely DFA candidates to make room for the incoming starters.
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