The Los Angeles Angels have announced that 32-year-old pitcher is being designated for assignment, while right-hander George Klassen is being called up to take his place. Lucchesi, who has eight years of Major League Baseball experience, debuted with the San Diego Padres in 2018 and has also played for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.
During his time with the Angels this season, Lucchesi appeared in three games out of the bullpen, allowing two earned runs over 2.1 innings. However, issuing four walks in that short span likely contributed to the team’s decision to remove him from the roster. The Angels currently hold a 4–5 record and are in the midst of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
Joey Lucchesi’s MLB Career
Joey Lucchesi has a career 4.09 ERA in 435.1 total innings pitched. He broke into MLB as a starter and had consecutive seasons in 2018 and 2019, making 26+ starts. However, since then, he hasn’t made more than 10 starts in a season.
In 2025, he was servicable enough for the Giants before they released him, posting a 3.76 ERA over 38.1 innings pitched. Perhaps his best sample size in MLB came with the Mets in 2023, where Lucchesi made nine strong starts, but could not finish out the season with the club due to injury.
Injuries have been a big part of the southpaw’s career, and could be his ultimate demise in MLB. The 32-year-old doesn’t have overpowering stuff, and if control is an issue, that doesn’t help his cause.
Joey Lucchesi DFA’d; George Klassen to Make MLB Debut
The Joey Lucchesi news means Angels fans will get a glimpse of an exciting new arm in the form of George Klassen.
Here is what CBSSports had to say about Klassen’s journey and potential:
“The 24-year-old missed out on the Halos’ Opening Day rotation despite a strong showing during spring training, but he’ll now make his MLB debut Sunday after scheduled starter Ryan Johnson (illness) was a late scratch. Klassen gave up one run with five strikeouts over 4.2 frames during his lone start for Salt Lake this year and struggled at the Double-A level in 2025 with a 5.35 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 126:46 K:BB across 102.2 innings.”
Klassen is a 6-2 righty out of the University of Minnesota. Originally drafted by the Phillies, Klassen joined the Halos’ organization in 2024 and has swiftly made it through their pipeline.
