Garcia struck out one batter over a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save against the Reds on Wednesday.
Kenley Jansen -- the Angels' primary closer throughout the campaign -- is dealing with a rib injury, so interim manager Ray Montgomery turned to Garcia with the team holding a one-run lead heading into the ninth inning. Garcia got the job done, retiring the side in order on 14 pitches (10 strikes). All three batters he faced were right-handed hitters, while southpaw Reid Detmers pitched the eighth and squared off against a lefty and a switch hitter among the four batters he encountered. Jansen is in no danger of losing his closing job, but until he gets back to full health, Garcia could be in the mix for save chances along with Detmers and potentially others.
The Angels acquired Garcia and left-hander Andrew Chafin from the Nationals on Wednesday in exchange for left-hander Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Garcia was dealt from the Angels to the Red Sox at last season's deadline and has now found his way back to Anaheim a year later. He has struggled in 2025, posting a 4.10 ERA and 31:18 K:BB over 37.1 innings between the Dodgers and Nationals. Garcia could wind up being part of the late-inning mix for the Angels, particularly if the club trades closer Kenley Jansen.
The Nationals signed Garcia on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.
Garcia was released by the Dodgers on Monday after being removed from the 40-man roster June 29. He joins the Nationals as they option Eduardo Salazar to Triple-A Rochester.
... See More... See Less
Luis Garcia: Released by Dodgers
Rotowire
The Dodgers released Garcia on Friday.
Garcia was removed from the 40-man roster in late June and is now out of the organization altogether after clearing waivers. The 38-year-old reliever holds a 5.27 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 24:16 K:BB over 27.1 innings in the majors this season.
The Dodgers designated Garcia for assignment Sunday.
With the Dodgers needing to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Edgardo Henriquez's (foot) return from the 60-day injured list, Garcia ended up being the casualty. Garcia had just returned from a month-long stint on the IL of his own due to an adductor strain, and after tossing a clean inning in Friday's 5-4 win over Kansas City, he unraveled during his appearance in Saturday's 9-5 loss, retiring just one batter while allowing three earned runs on four hits. The 38-year-old righty will now be exposed to waivers as a result of being DFA'd, but it's unclear how much interest he'll attract after pitching to a 5.27 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 24:16 K:BB over 27.1 innings in the majors this season.
... See More... See Less
Dodgers' Luis Garcia: Back off IL
Rotowire
The Dodgers activated Garcia (adductor) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.
Garcia has been shelved since early June due to a right adductor strain, but he's ready to roll after making one scoreless rehab appearance. Will Klein was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.
... See More... See Less
Dodgers' Luis Garcia: Cleared for rehab assignment
Rotowire
Garcia (adductor) will begin his rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Garcia landed on the 15-day injured list in early June due to a right adductor strain, but he's made enough progress with his throwing program to resume pitching in games. The right-hander posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 23:15 K:BB across 26 innings with the Dodgers prior to landing on the shelf.
Garcia (adductor) has been throwing bullpen sessions and expects to face live hitters soon, per MLB.com.
A right adductor strain caused Garcia to land on the IL on June 1, but the veteran reliever has since been able to resume tossing from a mound. Garcia may not be ready to be activated when eligible, but it sounds like he's on track to return by the end of the month. Garcia has posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 23:15 K:BB with two wins and two holds through 26 appearances covering 26 innings this season.
... See More... See Less
Dodgers' Luis Garcia: Shelved with adductor strain
Rotowire
The Dodgers placed Garcia on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right adductor strain.
According to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register, Garcia sustained the injury during the Dodgers' series against the Guardians earlier in the week, which explains why the right-hander went unused in wins Friday and Saturday over the Yankees. Los Angeles recalled right-hander Noah Davis from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Garcia in the bullpen.
