The Los Angeles Angels announced that they have acquired veteran infielder Mike Moustakas from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Minor League pitcher Connor Van Scoyoc. The trade was announced just hours after the Angels’ historic 25-1 win over the Rockies at Coors Field.
Moustakas is the second infielder the Angels have traded for this week, joining Eduardo Escobar, who was acquired from the New York Mets for prospects Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux.
Moustakas, an L.A. native, is in his 13th MLB season and brings plenty of experience to the Angels infield. He is a three-time All-Star, with his last appearance coming in 2019, and was part of the Kansas City Royals’ 2015 World Series championship team.
Moustakas appeared in 47 games with the Rockies this season, hitting .270/.360/.435 with seven doubles, four home runs and 17 RBI. The 34-year-old primarily played first base but also received opportunities at third base, and previously saw time at second base as well.
OFFICIAL: The Angels have acquired INF Mike Moustakas from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league RHP Connor Van Scoyoc. pic.twitter.com/RgZ9Z27sCu
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 25, 2023
Moustakas signed a Minor League contract with the Rockies this past offseason after being released by the Cincinnati Reds with two years remaining on his four-year pact.
The additions of Moustakas and Escobar gives the Angels some much-needed depth in the wake of losing Zach Neto, Anthony Rendon and Gio Urshela to injuries. While Escobar has taken over for Urshela as the starting third baseman, Moustakas is expected to fill more of a utility role.
Angels designate Kevin Padlo for assignment
In order to clear a spot for Moustakas on the 40-man and active rosters, the Angels designated Kevin Padlo for assignment. The 26-year-old was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake as the corresponding move to Rendon going on the IL after posting a .915 on-base plus slugging with seven home runs and 25 RBI across two levels this season.
Padlo went 1-for-8 with a double in three games with the Angels. He has previous MLB experience with the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.
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