The Los Angeles Angels lost a pitcher on Friday to their own division, as Rich Thompson was claimed by the Oakland Athletics. The Angels had designated Thompson for assignment on Saturday, April 14, when they recalled reliever Brad Mills from Triple A Salt Lake.
Mills was optioned back to Triple A one day later to make room for Jerome Williams, who was activated from the disabled list. Williams will make his second start of the season as the Angels open a three-game series Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles.
Thompson, a 27-year old native of Australia, was signed by the Angels as an amateur free agent in 2002. Thompson pitched in just two games this season for the Angels, allowing four runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings. In parts of six seasons with the Halos, Thompson put up a 4.24 ERA in 81 games in relief, with 37 walks and 105 strikeouts in 104 career innings.
The Angels bullpen so far this season is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA, ranking 14th of 16 American League teams.
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