ANAHEIM -- The Angels had been looking to improve their outfield depth, especially with Mike Trout not quite ready for action in right field and Jorge Soler dealing with groin tightness, but they bolstered it by acquiring LaMonte Wade Jr. in a trade with the Giants after Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Mariners.
TRADE DETAILS
Angels get: LaMonte Wade Jr. and cash considerations
Giants get: Cash considerations or PTBNL
Wade, 31, was designated for assignment by San Francisco last week and represents a trade between Angels general manager Perry Minasian and his brother, Giants GM Zach Minasian. Wade was acquired for a player to be named or cash, while reliever Michael Darrell-Hicks was DFA’d to make room for Wade on the roster.
Wade could replace Soler on the roster if he needs to be placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday. He’s due to undergo further testing on his groin on Monday but did play on Sunday, drawing a walk as a pinch-hitter in the ninth before being replaced by Matthew Lugo as a pinch-runner. If Soler is deemed OK, Lugo is the most likely player to be optioned.
Wade has struggled this season, hitting .167/.275/.271 with a homer, eight doubles, two triples and 15 RBIs in 50 games. But he's a career .238/.344/.398 hitter and was solid last season, batting .260/.380/.381 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 117 games.
Wade has primarily played first base in his seven-year career, but Nolan Schanuel is the club's everyday player there and has been getting better as the season has gone along. Wade has experience in both outfield corners, and he’d most likely play there with the Angels.
Trout, who returned on May 30 after missing a month with a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee, has served exclusively as designated hitter since his coming off the IL. He did pregame outfield drills on Friday and Saturday but took the day off from outfield work on Sunday. Manager Ron Washington said Sunday he didn’t believe Trout would be ready to start in right field in Monday’s series opener against the Athletics, but that it could happen soon.