Los Angeles Angels acquire David Murphy from Indians
The Los Angeles Angels have acquired outfielder David Murphy from the Cleveland Indians, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. The Indians will get 23-year-old shortstop Eric Stamets back in return.
The Angels already made one trade for an outfielder this week, dealing for Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino. Victorino figured to platoon in the outfield with Matt Joyce, though with Joyce struggling this season, it appears Murphy will be Victorino’s platoon partner.
With both Murphy and Victorino in the fold, it appears safe to say that the Angels are officially out on Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. Bruce had been connected to Los Angeles over the past week as the club looked to add an outfield bat.
The Angels were still a potential fit for Bruce after acquiring Victorino yesterday, as the Hawaiian would shifted into a fourth outfielder role if Bruce was brought in. But it appears he’ll now be a part-time starter alongside Murphy. Murphy will also help platoon with C.J. Cron, who has struggled against right-handed pitching this year.
It doesn’t seem likely that the Angels will make any more major moves, though they could still be a dark horse to acquire a top-tier starting pitcher or add another bullpen arm. The team could also look for a regular platoon partner for Cron. Los Angeles doesn’t have an incredibly deep farm system of prospects to choose from, however, making any sort of blockbuster trade unlikely.
Next: Los Angeles Angels Acquire Shane Victorino
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