Angels Bring Back Joey Lucchesi Amid Ongoing Bullpen Turnover

The Los Angeles Angels have once again turned to familiar depth on the pitching market, re-signing left-handed reliever Joey Lucchesi to a minor league contract. The move, confirmed through team transactions, comes shortly after his previous minor league deal was terminated earlier in the week.

Lucchesi’s return reflects a season marked by constant roster movement between organizations and levels. The veteran left-hander has bounced between spring training, major league opportunities, and Triple-A assignments as teams evaluate him in short stints.

Originally joining the San Francisco Giants on a minor league deal during spring training, Lucchesi exercised an opt-out after learning he would not make the Opening Day roster. That decision set off a chain of transactions that has defined his 2026 campaign.

He eventually landed with the Angels, where he briefly earned a major league roster spot but has struggled to maintain consistency, leading to repeated designations for assignment and returns to the minor leagues.

1. A Season Defined By Constant Movement

Lucchesi’s 2026 season has featured a rare level of roster volatility, even by bullpen standards. After his stint with the Giants ended, he quickly transitioned to the Angels, where he initially made the Opening Day roster. However, his time in the majors was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment just weeks into the season. After clearing waivers, he chose free agency but ultimately returned to Los Angeles on a minor league deal. His journey did not stabilize there. A subsequent call-up in late April gave him another opportunity at the major league level, but struggles on the mound once again led to a roster shuffle. The repeated cycle of promotions and removals has made Lucchesi one of the more frequently moved pitchers in the Angels’ system this year.

2. Struggles At The Major League Level

Lucchesi’s limited major league sample this season has been difficult. Across five appearances, he allowed six runs on seven hits and six walks over just 3 1/3 innings. Those numbers highlight ongoing command issues that have limited his ability to settle into a consistent bullpen role. Walks, in particular, have been a recurring problem during his brief stints. While he has shown flashes of his previous ability to miss bats, the lack of sustained effectiveness has made it difficult for him to secure a long-term roster spot. As a result, the Angels have continued to move him between the majors and Triple-A in an effort to find the right role or usage pattern.

3. Depth Option In A Shifting Bullpen

At Triple-A Salt Lake, Lucchesi has provided more stable, though still uneven, production. In 18 innings, he posted a 4.50 ERA while striking out 28% of batters faced and walking nearly 10%. Despite some encouraging strikeout numbers, inconsistency has remained a concern, particularly in recent outings where he has allowed additional runs and free passes. The Angels’ decision to release him from his previous minor league deal in Salt Lake was short-lived, as the organization quickly brought him back on another contract, underscoring their ongoing need for pitching depth. That need has been amplified by an unsettled bullpen mix, which has featured multiple left-handers cycling through roles, including Tayler Saucedo, Sam Aldegheri, Drew Pomeranz, Brent Suter, and Mitch Farris. In that context, Lucchesi remains a familiar, low-cost option the Angels continue to evaluate as they search for reliable relief production.