Guardians claim Giolito, López, Moore off waivers from Angels

The Cleveland Guardians claimed right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López, as well as left-hander Matt Moore, off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, the club announced Thursday.

Cleveland designated catcher Eric Haase and right-hander Peyton Battenfield for assignment in corresponding roster moves.

The Angels surprised the league when they placed Giolito, López, and Moore on waivers earlier this week.

With the moves, the Guardians take on about $3 million in payroll commitments, a source told The Athletic's Zack Meisel.

The Guardians entered play Thursday five games behind the Minnesota Twins for first place in the AL Central. Cleveland took a three-game series in Minnesota by winning Wednesday's rubber match.

Giolito will look to bolster a Guardians rotation that's been without injured right-handers Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie.

López and Moore join a deep Cleveland bullpen that ranks fifth in MLB with a 3.48 ERA.

The Angels acquired Giolito and López from the Chicago White Sox ahead of the trade deadline. Giolito struggled with his new team, posting a 1-5 record with a 6.89 ERA across six starts. López, meanwhile, registered a 2.77 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 13 innings.

Moore signed a one-year, $7.5-million contract with the Angels this past offseason. The southpaw is 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA and 49 strikeouts across 44 innings for the Angels in 2023.