An update on Angels' bullpen battle

This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger’s Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Even after signing veteran lefty Matt Moore to a one-year deal worth $7.55 million on Feb. 16, the Angels have competition for the last spot in their bullpen, and possibly even the last two spots.

Right-handers Carlos Estévez, Jimmy Herget and Ryan Tepera and lefties Aaron Loup, José Quijada and Moore are all guaranteed to be on the Opening Day roster. Right-hander Jaime Barría is also a lock to make the club but is in the mix for the sixth starter role, as well. If Barría is the sixth starter, the Angels could have two spots open in the bullpen.

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But it appears more likely the Angels will go with a starter for the sixth spot, such as lefty Tucker Davidson, who is out of Minor League options, or right-hander Griffin Canning, who missed last season with a back injury.

Either way, the Angels have some competition in the bullpen, with options including right-handers Andrew Wantz, Zack Weiss and Justin Garza and lefty Kolton Ingram. The Angels also have several intriguing non-roster invitees in camp, including hard-throwing prospect Ben Joyce, as well as veterans Chris Devenski, Jonathan Holder and Jacob Webb.

Garza and Devenski are both local products who attended Cal State Fullerton, the same college that manager Phil Nevin and pitching coach Matt Wise attended. Garza went to Bonita High School in La Verne (as did Wise), and Devenski attended Gahr High School in Cerritos.

It caused Nevin to joke that they both have a leg up on the competition because they went to the same college as him.

“I’m a little partial to Fullerton guys, so I have an extra eye to keep on Devenski and Garza,” Nevin said with a smile. “But I do like the track records on several of the guys we brought in. Their demeanor on the mound is really good.”

Garza, 28, and Devenski, 32, both grew up Angels fans and were excited to sign with the team.

“It's a dream come true,” Garza said. “Obviously, any opportunity I'd be grateful for, but for it to be on the team I grew up rooting for and in an area that I grew up going to school, it's a blessing, for sure.”

Devenski was an All-Star in ’17 with the Astros but has been bothered by elbow problems in recent years. He’s fully healthy and excited to compete for a spot.

“It means a ton, I’m thankful for the opportunity I have here,” Devenski said. “I just want to make the most out of every day. Everything feels good. That was the first offseason I've had where I've actually been able to train without any rehab work.”