The Cleveland Guardians have reportedly claimed SP Lucas Giolito, RP Reynaldo Lopez, and RP Matt Moore on waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan. The claims come just a month after Giolito and Lopez were acquired by the Angels from the Chicago White Sox in a trade. The deal obviously didn't go according to plan as the Halos stumbled through August. Now the Guardians, who are five games out in the American League Central, appear to be going for it.

Guardians claim Lucas Giolito, pair of relievers

The Guardians and Angels are actually sporting the same record as of this story's publication, with both ball clubs sitting at an underwhelming 64-70. However, Cleveland's 64-70 mark is much more optimistic than the Angels' record.

For starters, Cleveland plays in a much less competitive American League Central division. Only the Minnesota Twins lead the Guardians in the division. Meanwhile, the Angels trail the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers in the AL West. They are 12.5 games back in the division.

Additionally, the Angels decided to buy at the trade deadline. On the other hand, the Guardians traded away impactful players such as 1B Josh Bell and SP Aaron Civale.

The Guardians' waiver claims will excite Cleveland's fanbase. It is a bit questionable, but Cleveland recently took two of three games from Minnesota which may have played a role in the team's decision.

It will take some getting used to with Lucas Giolito in a Guardians uniform. He previously pitched for the White Sox of course, a team that has a rivalry with the Guardians… just ask Jose Ramirez and Tim Anderson.

Overall, Giolito pitched fairly well for Chicago prior to getting traded ahead of the 2023 deadline. He struggled with the Angles though. The Guardians have a reputation for getting the most out of their pitchers, so perhaps he will find his footing once again at Progressive Field.

The additions of Lopez and Moore add bullpen versatility. Lopez, a right-handed arm, and Moore, a left-handed arm will step into a Cleveland relief core that prides itself on finding success.

The Guardians' claims of Giolito, Lopez, and Moore have made the AL Central a much more interesting division to follow ahead of the playoffs.