The race for first place in the AL West has jumped up a few notches this weekend.
First, the A's traded for both Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel on Friday night. Then, on Saturday morning, the Angels made a move to bolster their bullpen, acquiring lefty Joe Thatcher from the Diamondbacks, along with speedy outfielder Tony Campana.
Sources: #Angels acquire Thatcher, Campana from #DBacks. Return not yet known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 5, 2014Dbacks will receive RHP Joey Krehbiel and OF Zach Borenstein in exchange for Thatcher and Campana.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 5, 2014Thatcher had a 2.63 ERA for the Diamondbacks as a situational lefty. He's thrown 24 innings in 37 appearances, with 25 strikeouts and three unintentional walks.
This deal doesn't make quite the same impact as the A's deal, but it does address a pressing need in Anaheim. And, it's likely just the beginning of a flurry of activity in that division leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Heading into play Sunday, the A's lead the West by 3 1/2 games over the Angels.