Transfer: Dodgers Prospect Joins Angels on Waiver Claim

A former Dodgers prospect is returning to Southern California. The Angels have acquired right-handed reliever Nick Robertson from the St. Louis Cardinals on a waiver claim.

Robertson was drafted by the Dodgers as the 221st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with Los Angeles on June 7, 2023, impressing in his first outing with no hits or runs allowed and three strikeouts over two innings. However, his performance declined after that, with his second appearance featuring five hits and three runs allowed in just one inning. His ERA never dropped below 6.00, and he struggled to maintain consistency.

In his brief stint with the Dodgers, Robertson made nine appearances, recording one loss, and posted a 6.10 ERA with 13 strikeouts and four walks over 10.1 innings. Batters hit .370 against him, with 17 hits and 10 runs allowed.

Just before the 2023 MLB trade deadline, the Dodgers traded Robertson and another right-handed pitcher, Justin Hagenman, to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Kiké Hernández. Robertson made seven appearances with the Red Sox before being traded again at the end of the season. He was then sent to the St. Louis Cardinals, along with right-handed pitcher Victor Santos, for left fielder Tyler O’Neill. Robertson spent most of his time with the Cardinals in the minor leagues or on the injured list.

The Cardinals placed Nick Robertson on the 15-day injured list on May 26 due to right elbow inflammation. After reactivating him on June 24, Robertson continued to pitch for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. However, the Cardinals designated him for assignment on Sunday.

In a related move, the Cardinals claimed left-handed reliever Brock Burke off waivers from the Texas Rangers. This prompted the Angels to acquire Robertson, hoping that his ERA, which has improved with each team he’s joined, will benefit from a fresh start in Anaheim.

The Angels had two open spots on their 40-man roster, so the addition of Robertson and Burke on Tuesday did not require any further roster adjustments.