Angels release RHP Jesse Chavez

The Angels announced a series of roster moves today, with lefty Aaron Loup, righty Ryan Tepera and outfielder Taylor Ward all being reinstated from the restricted list. All three were ineligible to cross the border into Canada for the team’s series against the Blue Jays. Infielder Matt Duffy was also reinstated from the injured list. Outfielder Ryan Aguilar and right-hander Gerardo Reyes, who were called up as COVID substitutes, were returned to the minors. Infielder Jose Rojas was optioned to Triple-A, while right-hander Jesse Chavez was released. Right-hander Jose Marte, recalled for the Toronto series, is sticking with the team.

Chavez, 39, is a veteran who made his debut back in 2008. In his career, he’s pitched at the big league level for the Pirates, Braves, Royals, Blue Jays, Athletics, Dodgers, Angels, Rangers and Cubs. This year started with the Cubs, though Chavez was flipped to Atlanta for Sean Newcomb just a couple of weeks into the season while sporting a 6.35 ERA. He pitched well over 38 1/3 innings in Atlanta, registering a 2.11 ERA in that time before getting sent to the Angels as part of the Raisel Iglesias deal. Since becoming an Angel, he has had a 7.59 ERA in 10 2/3 innings.

Putting those three stints together, he has a 3.62 ERA for the season with a 25.6% strikeout rate, 6.8% walk rate and 37.2% ground ball rate. Chavez will now head back out to the open market in search of his next opportunity. If he signs with someone prior to 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 31, he will be eligible for that club’s postseason roster.