Los Angeles Angels strengthen their bullpen by signing veteran left-hander Brent Suter to a one-year deal.

According to Chris Cotillo from MassLive, the Los Angeles Angels are anticipated to enhance their bullpen by signing veteran left-handed pitcher Brent Suter to a major league contract. The team has yet to make an official announcement because their 40-man roster is full, requiring a vacancy before the contract becomes official.

The 36-year-old Suter pitched last season for the Cincinnati Reds, recording a 4.52 ERA over 67.2 innings with 53 strikeouts and 18 walks. Over his ten-year major league career, he has played for the Brewers, Rockies, and Reds, compiling a career ERA of 3.57.

Suter’s addition provides the Angels with much-needed left-handed bullpen depth, joining fellow veteran southpaw Drew Pomeranz to bolster the left side of the bullpen. Recently, the Angels also signed former closers Kirby Yates and Jordan Romano to one-year deals and acquired left-hander Jayvien Sandridge from the Yankees via trade, as well as right-hander Kaleb Ort from the Yankees through waivers.

Last season, the team’s top internal bullpen options, Robert Stephenson and Ben Joyce, combined for only 14.1 innings due to injuries. Stephenson ended his season early with right elbow inflammation after Tommy John surgery but has since recovered and is preparing for spring training; Joyce is expected to miss time following shoulder surgery in May of last year.

Other internal bullpen candidates include Chase Silseth (out of minor league options), José Fermin, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Sam Bachman. The Angels have also signed minor league contracts with Miguel Castro, Angel Perdomo, Nick Sandlin, Huascar Ynoa, and Tayler Saucedo. However, the team recently lost a potential option as right-hander Osvaldo Bido was claimed off waivers by the Yankees. Additionally, the Angels hope to retain right-hander Cody Laweryson, who was designated for assignment earlier this week.

Suter is a slower-velocity lefty, averaging 87.9 mph on his fastball last season. However, he excels at limiting hard contact, with opponents’ average exit velocity against him at just 85.8 mph, ranking in the 99th percentile according to Statcast data. His walk rate also ranks in the 82nd percentile, which is particularly valuable for the Angels, who struggled with walks last year.

Suter has experience as a starter and can pitch multiple innings; last season, he made three spot starts totaling 8 innings while allowing only 2 runs. Left-handed batters have a slash line of .243/.282/.387 against him, while right-handers hit .266/.324/.449. Career data shows minimal difference in effectiveness between left and right hitters, with opponent slugging percentages of 0.701 for lefties and 0.707 for righties.