12:23pm: Los Angeles has designated pitcher Adam Wilk for assignment to clear 40-man space, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports on Twitter.
The 27-year-old has made just one appearance at the big league level this year and nine in his career. He owns a 5.52 ERA over 102 2/3 Triple-A frames, with 6.4 K/9 against 2.5 BB/9.
12:04pm: The Angels announced that they’ve acquired third baseman Conor Gillaspie from the White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Gillaspie had been designated for assignment by Chicago.
Gillaspie, 28, has struggled to a .237/.276/.364 slash line in 185 big league plate appearances this year. Mix in unfavorable defensive ratings, and he’s been worth a full win below replacement level (by measure of Fangraphs).
To be sure, the still-youthful infielder has shown more in the past. Though his defense has never drawn rave reviews, he managed a sturdy .282/.336/.416 batting line over 506 plate appearances last year. His walks are down while his strikeouts and grounder rate are up in 2015, none of which bode well, but a .275 BABIP isn’t doing him any favors either.
Regardless, the Angels won’t expect more than a fill-in performance from Gillaspie. The Halos have at least a short-term need at third base with David Freese on the disabled list due to a fractured index finger. Adding (at no real cost) an experienced player with a left-handed bat makes sense in the interim, while the club monitors Freese and continues to explore more promising players.
not to be outdone, i guess…
Well we got something for Conor. That’s nice.
I guess him and Freese will be platoon mates when he gets back.
He is more likely just a stopgap solution until Freese returns.
I’d prefer Kubitza just plays everyday.
Gillaspie was the MLB equivalent of a free lunch, I have no problem giving Kubitza and Cowart more time in AAA
He could realistically become a long term (like at least for next season) bench option for LA. With Frese possibly leaving with free agency, Kubitza will likely take over at third. Its a weak free agent market this season and unless they feel like spending a bit for a better bench option, then Gillaspie isn’t a bad choice.I doubt he costs more than $900k in arb next season
I wont be shocked if they bring Freese back incase Kubitza isn’t ready. And maybe Cowart doesn’t go into a slump next year and he gets his shot finally.
-1.0 WAR in 58 games, why would you do this when there’s dozens of aging guys who have never gotten a shot who are playing well at AAA but just rotting there?
Gillespie has shown some nice platoon splits in the past against MLB pitching. Hes not exciting… But they didn’t give up much
I just don’t understand that way of thinking “in the past” – there’s plenty of guys out there with no past, they haven’t ever even gotten a shot to be bad or good or have platoon splits. Just randomly scanning the minors, how do we know for sure a guy like Adam Duvall definitely isn’t better than Gillaspie?
I agree, but Gillespie and a AAA player are pretty much a draw. Also pressure maybe from the MLBPA. Baseball has always been averse to change. Lots of luck involved in getting chances.
The problem is both he and Kubitza left handed hitters. Kubitza is expected to have the far better glove
Conor has been dealing with Plantar fasciitis most of the season. Glad to see him get another chance.
Overpay……
Kidding
What if the cash considerations were Greek?
Well at least we (Angels) didn’t give up anything of significance.
The big left handed bat the Angels have been after!
Stoneman makes his biggest trade ever
After this and Beckham last year, is the White Sox selling players to the Angels going to become a yearly deadline tradition?
I heard the guy can’t even hit a beach ball.
Or the ground after he jumps out of a plane..