Los Angeles Angels Transactions

Sunday, January 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels and first baseman Jared Walsh (shoulder) avoided salary arbitration after inking a one-year, $2.65 million deal. Walsh was sidelined for the last month of the season after undergoing a thoracic outlet surgery. He is expected to be ready for the 2023 season and shouldn't miss any time. Across 454 plate appearances, the 29-year-old posted a .215/.269/.374 slash line with 44 RBI and 15 HRs. His .642 OPS was nothing close to what he displayed in the two previous years, but his health certainly impeded his success. If the first baseman can stay healthy in 2023, the Angels are hoping that Walsh can tap into his raw power that was on display in 2021 when he hit 29 homers.

Friday, January 13

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Taylor Ward avoided salary arbitration on Friday by coming to an agreement on a one-year, $2.75 million deal. Ward had a .281/.360/.473 slash line with career-highs in OPS (.833), home runs (23), RBI (65), runs scored (73), stolen bases (five) and games played (135) for the Halos in 2022 in his fifth major-league season. The 29-year-old didn't hit quite as well after returning from several different injuries during the year, but he was one of a few bright spots for the Angels. With better health in 2023, Ward could be a fantasy steal.

Tuesday, January 10

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels signed free-agent outfielder Brett Phillips to a one-year, $1.2 million deal on Monday. The addition of Phillips is another supplementary move conducted by the Angels in order to bolster their outfield. The 28-year-old was on display for the Rays and Orioles in 2022 and spent time with the O's Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk. He slashed .144/.217/.249 in the big leagues and displayed an improved .277/.432/.641 across 65 at-bats with the Tides. His bat is certainly a liability, but an eye-popping 41 defensive runs saved since going pro in 2017 is the glaring attribute on his profile. Phillips is slated to contribute as a platooning outfielder for the Angels, but do not expect anything significant fantasy-wise.

Wednesday, December 21

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels and free-agent second/third baseman Brandon Drury agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract Tuesday, per MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. The 30-year-old had a breakout 2022 season with the Reds and Padres, slashing .263/.320/.492 with 28 home runs and 87 RBI, although he did taper off after joining the Padres. He particularly hit well against left-handed pitching, batting .299 with 12 home runs in 155 plate appearances. Drury's role in a bolstered Angels infield remains to be seen, but he could be at least a useful later-round fantasy pick as long as he can continue to hit for power.
		Free-agent third baseman Jake Lamb has reportedly signed a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Angels, according to a tweet from The New York Post's Jon Heyman on Wednesday morning. Lamb spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners during the 2022 campaign, hitting .216 with a 3.15 on-base percentage and three home runs in 111 plate appearances. Capable of playing first base, third base, left field and right field, the 32-year-old will provide the Angels with some additional depth around the diamond heading into next season.

Tuesday, December 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal with free-agent right-hander Carlos Estevez on Monday. The 29-year-old reliever has only struck out 23.6 percent of the batters he's faced in six major-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies, making him a low-upside fantasy reliever. Estevez had a career-low 3.47 ERA (4.08 FIP), a 1.17 WHIP, two saves and 54 strikeouts in 57 innings over 62 relief appearances for the Rockies last season. He could be an option to close out games in Anaheim, but for an Angels team that isn't expected to be a contender in 2023, Estevez will merely be a speculative saves target in the latter stages of deep-league drafts.

Tuesday, November 29

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels and free-agent relief pitcher Chris Devenski agreed to a one-year, minor-league deal Monday, per MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. The deal includes an invitation to spring training, so Devenski will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the bullpen. The 32-year-old had a solid first few seasons of his career with the Astros, but pitched just 14 2/3 innings in 2022 with the Diamondbacks and Phillies, struggling with an 8.59 ERA. He has a long way to go before gaining any fantasy consideration.

Wednesday, November 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angeles acquired outfielder Hunter Renfroe from the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday in exchange for pitchers Janson Junk, Elvis Peguero, and Adam Seminaris. The 30-year-old will likely slot into an everyday outfield role with Mike Trout and Taylor Ward while providing power to the Angels' lineup. Renfroe slashed .255/.315/.492 with 29 home runs and 72 RBI in 522 plate appearances with the Brewers in 2022. From a fantasy perspective, this move theoretically puts Renfroe in a worse lineup, but the Angels have shown that they are willing to make improvements this off-season. A clearer picture of Renfroe's potential value will emerge once rosters become more complete.
		The Milwaukee Brewers acquired pitcher Janson Junk, along with fellow hurlers Elvis Peguero and Adam Seminaris, on Tuesday night in a trade that sent outfielder Hunter Renfroe to the Los Angeles Angels. Junk made three appearances for the Angels last season, two of which were starts. He pitched to a 6.48 ERA and a 3.11 FIP in 8.1 innings. The 26-year-old will give the Brewers some additional pitching depth in 2023, whether it be in the rotation or in the bullpen. Milwaukee's current rotation options include Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Adrian Houser, Eric Lauer, and Aaron Ashby.
		The Los Angeles Angels re-signed catcher Chad Wallach to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. Wallach entered free agency when he refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Salt Lake, but he will return to the Angels organization next year. The 31-year-old backstop played in just 12 games for the Halos in 2022, going 5-for-35 (.143) with a homer, four RBI and three runs scored. In six big-league seasons with the Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins, Wallach has hit just .198/.265/.296 with four home runs, 24 RBI and 17 runs scored in 271 plate appearances over 90 games played. He'll be looking to win a spot on the major-league roster out of spring training in 2023.

Saturday, November 19

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels have acquired third baseman Gio Urshela from the Minnesota Twins, according to an announcement made by the team. Minnesota will receive minor league right-handed pitcher Alejandro Hidalgo in return. Urshela enjoyed a strong 2022 season at the plate, slashing .285/.338/.429 with a 119 wRC+ in 551 plate appearances across 144 games. While his natural position of third base is blocked in Los Angeles by Anthony Rendon, he is expected to garner playing time around the infield, and has a chance to be the starting shortstop for manager Phil Nevin, who coached Urshela when both were with the New York Yankees.

Tuesday, November 15

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels agreed with free-agent starting pitcher Tyler Anderson on a three-year, $40 million deal on Tuesday. Anderson will stay in town after spending 2022 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he had a career year. The 32-year-old veteran left-hander was an All-Star for the first time in his seven-year career while going 15-5 with a 2.57 ERA (3.31 FIP), a 1.00 WHIP, 138 strikeouts and only 34 walks in 178 2/3 innings over 30 appearances (28 starts). Anderson turned down the $19.65 million qualifying offer from the Dodgers in order to test the open market after his strong season. He'll be a much-needed rotation addition for the Halos, but it remains to be seen if he can duplicate his strong 2022 campaign.

Wednesday, November 02

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels are not currently entertaining trade offers for their starting pitcher/designated hitter star Shohei Ohtani, per SNY's Andy Martino. The 28-year-old will be in the final year of his contract in 2023, so it is conceivable that the team could try to trade him if they do not reach a contract extension. Navigating a trade for such a superstar could be difficult in terms of asking price, as Ohtani slashed .273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs, 95 RBI, and 11 stolen bases while also going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 33.2% strikeout rate in 28 starts in 2022. Even if he plays with the subpar Angels in 2023, Ohtani will be a top-tier fantasy player in all leagues.

Monday, October 03

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels reinstated infielder Anthony Rendon to the active roster on Monday. Rendon was activated from the injured list last week so that he could begin serving his five-game suspension for his involvement in a benches-clearing brawl with the Seattle Mariners back in June. It remains to be seen if Rendon will be in the team's starting lineup on Monday against the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Adrian Martinez, but he'll be eligible to close out the final three games of the regular season this week. The 32-year-old had wrist surgery in June and has played in a career-low 45 games in 2022, hitting a disappointing .228/.324/.383 with five home runs, 24 RBI, 15 runs scored and two stolen bases in his 188 plate appearances.

Sunday, October 02

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (foot) missed Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers due to a sore foot. He fouled a ball off his foot during the seventh inning of Friday's win over the Rangers. The 31-year-old is considered day-to-day. Injuries have limited the star outfielder to 115 games in 2022, and with the Angels out of the playoff race, expect Trout to have a few days off. He is slashing .27/.363/.618 with 38 home runs, 78 RBI, 82 runs, and a stolen base over 480 plate appearances. Taylor Ward will handle centerfield duties while Trout is sidelined.
		Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (foot) is back in the lineup on Sunday for the series finale against the Texas Rangers. Trout fouled a ball off his foot during Friday's game and sat out Saturday's contest as a result. The 31-year-old outfielder has put together another solid campaign in 2022, slashing .277/.363/.618 with 38 home runs, 78 RBI, and one stolen base over 422 at-bats.

Wednesday, September 28

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels are calling up catching prospect Logan O'Hoppe on Wednesday, and he will make his major-league debut against the Oakland Athletics. In a corresponding move, outfielder Magneuris Sierra is being designated for assignment. O'Hoppe is the team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies last month in the trade that sent Brandon Marsh to Philly. The 22-year-old backstop hit a combined .283/.416/.544 with a .961 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 72 runs scored and seven stolen bases in 104 combined games with Double-A Reading and Double-A Rocket City in the minors this year. With the Angels already eliminated from the postseason, don't be surprised if O'Hoppe sees most of the playing time for the Angels down the stretch over both Matt Thaiss and Max Stassi.
		Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (wrist) saw live pitching against minor league arms on Tuesday and could do so again on Wednesday or Thursday. The Angels are still in the process of determining whether Rendon can return for the final few days of the regular season so that he can finish out a five-game suspension from his involvement in a fight with the Seattle Mariners in June. There are only eight games left in the regular season, so fantasy managers aren't going to get any production from the 32-year-old the rest of the way. Rendon has played in a career-low 45 games in 2022 and has hit a disappointing .228/.324/.383 with five home runs, 24 RBI, 15 runs scored and two stolen bases in 188 plate appearances.

Saturday, September 17

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels second baseman David Fletcher (hand) is heading to the injured list after he was hit on the right hand last Saturday. Fletcher's scan came back negative, but there's a possibility of a bone bruise. The hope is that he can play the last week of the regular season. The 28-year-old's injury doesn't sound very serious, but he's going on the shelf regardless. He entered the game in the sixth inning on Friday night against the Seattle Mariners and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout and a run scored. Fletcher just hasn't done much for fantasy managers at all in 2022, hitting .259/.296/.349 with only two home runs, 15 RBI, 19 runs scored and one stolen base in 189 at-bats during an injury-plagued campaign.

Wednesday, September 14

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels placed infielder Andrew Velazquez (knee) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a right meniscus tear and recalled infielder Michael Stefanic from Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move. Velazquez tore his meniscus in the game on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians and will miss the rest of the 2022 season. Barring any setbacks over the winter, the 28-year-old should be just fine for the start of next year. In a career-high 125 games (349 plate appearances) in his first year in Anaheim, Velazquez slashed just .196/.236/.304 with nine home runs, 28 RBI, 37 runs scored and 17 stolen bases.

Monday, September 12

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (wrist) took batting practice on the field on Monday, and it's looking more likely that he could return at some point before the end of the season, which would allow him to start serving his five-game suspension. The 32-year-old had surgery on his right wrist on June 21, and it was widely believed then that he'd miss the rest of the year. Still, there is very little time left for Rendon to contribute for fantasy managers after he serves a five-game suspension. Before his injury, Rendon was hitting just .228/.324/.383 with five home runs, 24 RBI, 15 runs scored and two stolen bases in 162 at-bats. Matt Duffy should continue to see most of the playing time at third base if/when Rendon returns.

Friday, September 09

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels reinstated outfielder Mickey Moniak (finger) and right-hander Michael Lorenzen (shoulder) from the injured list on Friday and optioned right-hander Touki Toussaint to Triple-A Salt Lake and designated outfielder Ryan Aguilar for assignment in corresponding moves. Moniak will merely serve as outfield depth for the Halos to close out another disappointing season. He's gone 10-for-60 (.167) with two homers, five RBI and eight runs scored in 23 combined games with the Angels and Phillies in 2022. Lorenzen will make the start on Friday against the Houston Astros. The 30-year-old right-hander didn't look great on his three-start minor league rehab assignment and is an extremely risky fantasy streamer on Friday in a tough matchup.

Wednesday, September 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (wrist) was initially believed to be out for the year after he had right wrist surgery, but he's been fully participating in defensive drills, including throwing and hitting in the cages. There's now a chance that Rendon could return before the end of the regular season. It would allow him to serve his five-game suspension from his role in a fight with the Seattle Mariners in June. Head trainer Mike Frostad said Rendon is passing all of the tests so far. The 32-year-old has been a disappointment since signing a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Angels, and he's missed most of the season for the second time in three years. He's hit .228 with five home runs and a .707 OPS in 45 games this year, but he won't have enough time to help fantasy managers down the stretch if he does return.

Tuesday, September 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo (knee) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Tigers. He was originally listed as out due to a knee issue. However, Rengifo must be feeling better because the Angels have put him back in the lineup for this contest. He'll bat cleanup and play second base against lefty Eduardo Rodriguez. Rengifo could be worth a look as a streaming option after a four-hit performance on Monday.

Saturday, September 03

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels right-hander Michael Lorenzen (shoulder) tossed six innings on Friday night in his third minor league rehab start for Single-A Inland Empire, allowing two earned runs on four hits (one home run) while walking two and striking out five. The 30-year-old gave up six runs in just 3 2/3 innings in his second rehab start for Triple-A Salt Lake last weekend, so this was certainly an improvement, albeit against lesser competition. It remains to be seen if he's ready to rejoin the Angels rotation, but he was sitting in the mid-90s with his fastball on Friday night. Lorenzen has been out since July 1, and he's been inconsistent in 2022 for fantasy managers with a 4.94 ERA (4.48 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP and 55 strikeouts to 30 walks in 71 innings over 13 starts.

Thursday, September 01

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels pitcher Michael Lorenzen (shoulder) will continue his rehab assignment Friday with Single-A Inland Empire. He was blasted for six runs across 3 2/3 innings during his second rehab outing with Triple-A Salt Lake. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since July 1 with a shoulder strain. He owns a 4.94 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 55:30 K: BB across 71 innings in 2022. Lorenzen is on track to rejoin the Angles rotation in September. The right-hander is mainly a stash in deep-league formats.

Friday, August 26

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak (finger) is taking dry swings after breaking his left middle finger while attempting to bunt. It's a step in the right direction for Moniak, who was traded to the Angels from the Philadelphia Phillies in the deal involving starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard at the trade deadline in early August. The 24-year-old said he expects to return before the end of the season, but even if that comes to fruition, he won't be a fantasy asset with Mike Trout back from his back/ribs injury. Moniak has four hits in 14 at-bats with two home runs and three RBI in his first five games with the Angels, but he has hit .150/.229/.243 with three home runs and eight RBI in 120 major league plate appearances over three seasons in the big leagues.
		Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward and relievers Aaron Loup and Ryan Tepera were all placed on the injured list on Friday ahead of the team's weekend series in Toronto against the Blue Jays. All three players won't travel to Canada because of their vaccination status. It's bad timing for Ward, who has six hits (one homer) and two RBI in his last three games to stop a slump that he's been going through in August. With Ward away from the team, Ryan Aguilar is getting the nod in right field and will hit eighth on Friday against Blue Jays right-hander Mitch White. Aguilar, 27, will be making his major league debut against Toronto. In 88 games at Double-A Rocket City this year, he's hit .280/.427/.517 with 15 long balls, 48 RBI, 55 runs scored and 11 stolen bases.

Thursday, August 25

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels placed first baseman/outfielder Jared Walsh (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list with thoracic outlet syndrome on Thursday and selected the contract of infielder Mike Ford from the minors in a corresponding move. The Angels also recalled catcher Matt Thaiss from Triple-A Salt Lake and designated infielder Phil Gosselin for assignment. Thoracic outlet syndrome is very tricky to return from and typically occurs much more in pitchers, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Walsh to return again in 2022. The 29-year-old left-handed hitter has batted .215/.269/.374 with 15 home runs, 44 RBI, 41 runs scored and two stolen bases in 423 at-bats for the Angels this year. Ford is at first base and is batting cleanup on Thursday against Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen.
		The Los Angeles Angels moved infielder Jared Walsh (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list on Thursday, which will officially end his 2022 season after he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. In a corresponding move, the Angels claimed left-hander Rob Zastryzny off waivers from the New York Mets. He has been optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake. It's unknown if Walsh will need surgery for an issue that pitchers typically deal with. The 29-year-old was disappointing this year for the Angels, hitting just .215/.269/.374 with 15 home runs, 44 RBI, 41 runs scored and two stolen bases in 423 at-bats. Mike Ford got the start at first base on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays, but he figures to split playing time with Matt Thaiss with Walsh on the shelf.

Tuesday, August 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (illness) is back in his designated hitter role and is batting third in the order on Tuesday against Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Corey Kluber. Ohtani was pulled from his start on the mound early on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers due to a stomach bug, but he'll return to the lineup Tuesday. The 28-year-old Japanese two-way star will make his next scheduled start on the mound on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Fantasy managers will want to get Ohtani back into their lineups as a hitter on Tuesday. He's hitting .264/.357/.515 with an .872 OPS, 27 home runs, 72 RBI, 67 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 435 at-bats entering Tuesday's contest.

Monday, August 22

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (illness) is not in the starting lineup on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ohtani left his start early on the mound against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday due to a stomach virus, and he's not feeling well enough on Monday to start the series opener as the DH against the Rays. Fantasy managers should consider the Japanese two-way star as day-to-day until further notice. The 28-year-old is a must-start fantasy asset and is hitting .265/.357/.516 with an .873 OPS, 27 home runs, 72 RBI, 67 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 434 at-bats in 2022. Mike Trout will DH and hit second on Monday, while Magneuris Sierra will start in center field and bat ninth against Rays left-hander Jeffrey Springs.
		Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (illness) will make his next start on the mound on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays, as originally scheduled. Mike Mayers will make the start on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ohtani was removed early from his start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers due to a stomach virus, and he's not in the starting lineup as the designated hitter on Monday against the Rays. Fantasy managers should consider the must-start fantasy asset as day-to-day for now, but the Angles clearly expect him to be fine by next weekend. The 28-year-old two-way Japanese star has gone 10-8 on the mound this year with a 2.83 ERA (2.68 FIP), a 1.09 WHIP and a 167:32 K:BB in 121 innings over 21 starts. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups as soon as he returns for the Angels.

Sunday, August 21

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Los Angeles Angels pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (illness) was unable to get through his scheduled start on Sunday. The right-hander went four innings, allowing three runs, and striking out two batters before getting lifted in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old superstar is reportedly dealing with a stomach illness. This shouldn't be something that forces Ohtani to miss more than a day or two of action. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more information following this contest.

Friday, August 19

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The Los Angeles Angels activated outfielder Mike Trout (back, ribs) from the injured list on Friday. After facing live pitching earlier this week, Trout was targeting a return on Friday for the start of the team's series against the Detroit Tigers. The 31-year-old superstar missed five weeks of action with a rare back condition, but Trout has downplayed the injury and will hopefully be fine the rest of the way. He'll return to a .270/.368/.599 slash line with a .967 OPS, 24 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs scored and a stolen base in 79 games. Fantasy managers need to plug him back into their starting lineups in all formats.