Los Angeles Angels Acquire David Murphy, David DeJesus
Tuesday’s trade deadline action continued with the Los Angeles Angels front office grabbing outfield help in David Murphy and David DeJesus in two separate but almost simultaneous transactions. Both players bring experience, leadership, and just enough hitting to bring the heat to an active Houston Astros team poised to run away with the West. Now the Angels have Victorino, Murphy, and DeJesus — three experienced platoon players — to help push them into postseason play. CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman confirmed the Murphy trade, while Tampa Bay made a separate team announcement.
David Murphy is hitting amicably in 85 games this season (.296) with 99 career home runs and 449 RBIs. The 33-year old Texas native was Cleveland’s DH, but can play the outfield and first base as well. His other stints came with Texas and Boston, and he’ll slot into a troubled left field role along with Victorino. He may see time in center should Mike Trout’s MRI not turn out favorably. In exchange for Murphy, the Angels sent infielder Eric Stamets to Cleveland. He was dubbed the best defensive infielder in the Angels system, and has played 62 Double-A games in 2015.
In the second transaction, Tampa Bay sent the Los Angeles Angels veteran David DeJesus in exchange for RHP Eduar Lopez. At 35, DeJesus still has some speed and hitting skill, but is best known for his outfield play. His career numbers aren’t spectacular (.276, 99 HR, 569 RBIs), but his defense in left field will be coveted. In 82 games so far in this season, DeJesus has contributed nicely on the offensive side (.259, 5 HRs, 26 RBIs). For DeJesus, Tampa Bay will get 20-year-old Lopez, who was the Angels’ 22nd-best rookie prospect this spring.
Rumors claim the Angels will still hunt for pitching help, but whether they’re able to produce many more prospects remains to be seen. James Shields is thought to be impossible to take on due to his hefty contract, leaving Tyson Ross and several other high ERA pitchers available to grab. David Price isn’t moving, and Cole Hamels may be shipped to Texas by Wednesday according to rumors. Andrew Cashner, Mike Leake, and closer Craig Kimbrel are the other remaining pitchers of note.
Los Angeles is at Houston tonight, and will be without Trout. New players will more than likely be available to the Angels on Thursday, although if the Angels continue shopping at this rate, they’ll probably need more airline tickets.
Both trades have been confirmed but only the DeJesus trade was made official through the Los Angeles Angels Twitter account.
(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
