Angels Acquire Chafin, Garcia to Boost Bullpen

The Los Angeles Angels acquired veteran relievers Andrew Chafin (35) and Luis Garcia (38) from the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown, aiming to bolster their struggling bullpen ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Chafin has posted a 2.70 ERA in 26 appearances for Washington this season, while Garcia delivered a 0.90 ERA in 10 games with the Nationals after struggling with the Dodgers. The Angels' bullpen ranks among the league's worst in ERA, motivating the team to try strengthening their postseason chances as they sit four games out of a wild card spot. Eder, a former fourth-round pick, has mostly served as a long reliever in the majors, while Brown, 23, is not considered a top prospect but has shown patience at the plate in Double-A. The move signals the Angels' intent to compete despite slim playoff odds, continuing their aggressive deadline strategy. The Nationals receive a modest return, prioritizing development potential over immediate impact.