The Los Angeles Dodgers have strengthened their catching options by claiming Chuckie Robinson off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Robinson was removed from the Angels’ 40-man roster to make room for Robert Stephenson, who recently returned from the 60-day injured list. This move comes after Logan O’Hoppe, the Angels’ primary catcher, avoided the injured list despite a recent hit to the helmet. With O’Hoppe cleared to play, the Angels decided not to retain a third catcher on their 40-man roster, leaving Sebastian Rivero as their unofficial backup, though he is not on the 40-man roster.

This acquisition follows a pattern for the Dodgers, who previously added former Angels catcher Chris Okey. By claiming Robinson, the Dodgers are continuing to build depth behind the plate as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

Reliever José Fermin Returns to Game Action Following Injury

José Fermin, ranked as the Angels’ No. 20 prospect by MLB.com, has resumed his throwing program at the team‘s complex in Tempe, Arizona, progressing through the Arizona Complex League (ACL). The 23-year-old right-hander made 7.2 major league innings before suffering from right elbow impingement, which sidelined him.

While Fermin showed promising pitching skills, his fastball command and control were inconsistent, as evidenced by his 5.87 walks per nine innings and two home runs allowed during nine appearances. Since veteran relievers Héctor Neris, Hunter Strickland, and Connor Brogdon have no minor league options left, the Angels may look to Fermin once he completes rehab, although expectations remain cautious. Should Robert Stephenson require another stint on the injured list soon, Fermin is unlikely to be ready to fill that role immediately, prompting speculation about alternative replacements such as Sam Bachman to step in.

Angels Release Tim Anderson After Designation for Assignment

The Angels officially released infielder Tim Anderson following his designation for assignment to clear roster space for Scott Kingery’s promotion. Kingery offers more positional flexibility and has performed significantly better offensively this season, particularly with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. Anderson’s offensive statistics have been underwhelming, batting only .205 with a .258 on-base percentage and striking out over 30% of the time.

Despite Anderson’s offensive struggles and injury history, the Angels acknowledged his defensive contributions as above average. Now that Anderson is a free agent, he may seek another minor league contract, possibly with the Angels or another team, providing depth as a reliable middle infielder option at the Triple-A level. The Angels plan to rotate Kingery, Luis Rengifo, Kevin Newman, and Chris Taylor across the second base position, filling the vacancy left by Anderson.

In related roster moves, the Angels re-signed reliever Shaun Anderson to a minor league deal after he became a free agent post-DFA. This adds another familiar name to the organization and adds bullpen depth as the season continues.

Roster Moves Reflect a Shifting Focus Amid Injury Updates

The Angels’ recent roster adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to manage injuries and bolster the team’s competitiveness. Robert Stephenson’s return was a key factor in recent moves, despite lingering uncertainty about his health. Mike Trout also returned to action, making his first appearance since late April, while Logan O’Hoppe’s avoidance of injured list status helped the Angels maintain their catching options before making cuts.

The release of Tim Anderson and promotion of Scott Kingery indicate the Angels’ desire for increased versatility and offensive production, especially in centerfield and middle infield roles. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Chuckie Robinson by the Dodgers demonstrates how teams continue to reposition players to manage depth during the long season.

Looking ahead, the Angels will monitor Fermin’s rehab progress closely, hoping to reintegrate his pitching potential without rushing him. Should further injuries arise, they may turn to options like Sam Bachman, while continuing to adjust their roster to stay competitive and adapt to emerging needs.