Taylor

Cole

Cole hasn’t appeared in the majors since making 38 appearances (six starts) for the Angels back in 2019. The 32-year-old righty has been cut loose after posting an inflated 5.14 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 27/19 K/BB ratio across 28 innings (19 appearances, two starts) this season at Triple-A Worcester.

There are some prominent names with major-league experience among this group including Bracho, Cole, Feliz and Hartlieb. It’s possible several of these relievers are back up in Boston at some point this upcoming season.

Cole had surgery on his pitching shoulder back in August of 2020 but appears to be healthy now after playing winter ball. He holds a career 4.97 ERA and 90/37 K/BB ratio over 88 2/3 innings at the major league level.

Cole was designated for assignment back in March but was outrighted back to the Angels after he cleared waivers. The right-hander won’t be able to pitch in 2020, and will look to latch on with someone as a relief option in 2021.

It explains why he’s been on the shelf during summer camp. Angels manager Joe Maddon wasn’t sure when asked Wednesday how serious Cole’s ailment is.

The Angels needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Ryan Buchter, and Cole was the odd-man out. The 30-year-old hurler was outstanding in 18 appearances out of the Angels’ bullpen in 2018, but fell back to earth with a 5.92 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across 51 2/3 innings during the 2019 campaign. There’s a decent chance he could pass through waivers unclaimed and continue to function as minor league bullpen depth.

Cole will give the Angels another fresh arm. He has posted a 6.80 ERA in the majors this season.

Cole has been lit up for 22 earned runs over just 10 innings of work this month, with his season ERA climbing to 6.80. Keynan Middleton (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Cole allowed five out of the six batters he faced to reach base in the first inning before Peters took over. Peters would go on to allow eight hits — including a solo homer to Roberto Perez — with five strikeouts and no walks. It was a decent outing all things considered, but Cole put the Angels in a hole they were unable to overcome. Peters has been respectable when called upon — with a 3.20 ERA through two starts and five relief appearances — but he’s not a recommended option in most fantasy leagues.

Cole struck out a pair of batters and worked around a two-out walk to Justin Turner to keep the Dodgers off the scoreboard. The 29-year-old righty owns a 3.21 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 27/12 K/BB ratio across 17 appearances (four starts) this season. He’s someone to keep on the fantasy radar in AL-Only formats.