MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox Trade Shane Victorino To Los Angeles Angels
Perhaps the first of many moves for the last place Boston Red Sox, the team has sent outfielder Shane Victorino and cash to the Los Angeles of Anaheim in exchange for infielder Josh Rutledge, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.
And Red Sox just announced Victorino and cash to Angels for INF Josh Rutledge.
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 27, 2015
The Angels have reportedly been looking for a designated hitter or outfielder to strengthen their lineup for about one month. Despite getting monster seasons from Albert Pujols and Mike Trout, Los Angeles’ offense has been inconsistent at best.
#Angels trying to trade for a bat and have inquired on several players. Ideal fit would be a LF or DH with OBP skills who bats left. — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 29, 2015
One name that the Angels were recently linked to was Cleveland Indians outfielder David Murphy. But as it turns out, the Angels will now continue with the former World Series hero Victorino in the fold.
Victorino, 34, has been injured for most of the past two seasons after signing a three-year, $39 million contract with the Red Sox prior to the 2013 season. The contract raised a lot of eyebrows as the former two-time All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies had been coming off two injury plagued and disappointing seasons. However, the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” rose to the occasion in 2013 by having a tremendous rebound season in Boston.
In 122 games in 2013, Victorino hit.294 with 15 HR and 61 RBI. The former switch-hitter abandoned his left-handed swing and became strictly a right-handed hitter midway through the year. Victorino proceeded to be one of the Red Sox heroes in the playoffs, helping lead the charge toward the 2013 World Series crown.
But that first year was his best year. In the two seasons since, Victorino has appeared in just 63 games due to several injuries, hitting just three HR and driving in 16 runs during that time. While he’s not the speed threat, defender, or even hitter that he was at one point, Victorino figures to receive more playing team in Los Angeles now that he’s out of the Red Sox logjam of outfielders.
Brown notes that the Angels view Victorino as a 4th outfielder, but with crew of outfielder not named Trout struggling, he figures to receive a decent amount of playing time.
Angels view Victorino as fourth OFer. But, should be said, their third OFers haven’t been all that great.
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 27, 2015
As for the Red Sox, the 26-year-old Rutledge is yet to play for the Angels in 2015 after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. The former Colorado Rockie owns a career.259 BA with 19 HR and 89 RBI through 266 career games, all with Colorado. He has failed to replicate his successful rookie campaign with the Rockies and that is primarily why he has spent all of 2015 down at Triple-A. But he might be able to contribute with the big league club sometime this season as he has hit.286 in the Minor Leagues.
With Victorino off the team, the Red Sox will be able to give Cuban import Rusney Castillo a lengthy look. The 28-year-old received a cup of coffee with the Red Sox last season but is yet to significantly contribute in 2015. He has been called up to take Victorino’s spot on the roster and has been rumored to be a part of a potential Cole Hamels trade.
[Image by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images]
