Ex-Closer Cody Allen DFA'd by Angels After Signing $8.5M Contract in Offseason

Cody Allen's brief stint with the Los Angeles Angels came to an end five months after he signed a one-year deal with the club.

The Angels announced Saturday that Allen was designated for assignment and Taylor Cole was recalled from Triple-A to take his spot on the 25-man roster.

Once one of the best closers in the American League, Allen has fallen on hard times over the past two seasons. The right-hander had a 4.70 ERA in 70 appearances for the Cleveland Indians in 2018.

The Angels took a chance on Allen being able to bounce back by guaranteeing him $8.5 million with the potential for $2 million more in incentives.

After opening the season with five straight scoreless appearances and three saves through April 9, Allen recorded an 8.00 ERA with 19 walks and nine homers allowed over his past 18 innings. The 30-year-old was removed from the closer's role April 24, two days before he was placed on the injured list with a strained lumbar spine.

In his first six seasons with the Indians from 2013 to 2017, Allen averaged 20 saves and had a 2.67 ERA with 484 strikeouts in 373.2 innings.

The Angels have seven days to find a trade partner or release Allen.