Angels tweak roster, still need to open spot for trade pickup Wade

ANAHEIM -- The Angels had been looking to improve their outfield depth, especially with Mike Trout not quite ready for action in right field and Jorge Soler dealing with groin tightness. They bolstered it by acquiring LaMonte Wade Jr. in a trade with the Giants on Sunday.

TRADE DETAILS
Angels get: LaMonte Wade Jr. and cash considerations
Giants get: Cash considerations or PTBNL

Wade, 31, was designated for assignment by San Francisco last week and represents a trade between Angels general manager Perry Minasian and his brother, Giants GM Zach Minasian. Wade was acquired for a player to be named or cash, while reliever Michael Darrell-Hicks was DFA’d to make room for Wade on the 40-man roster.

Wade didn’t join the Angels’ active roster before their series opener Monday against the Athletics but could join the club as soon as Tuesday.

“We certainly needed a left-handed bat,” manager Ron Washington said. “We got some very good reviews from people we know, and he can play both corner outfield spots. And he gives us a quality baseball player and quality person, period.

“We're looking forward to seeing him when he gets here, and we’ll sit down with him and see where his head is and decide how we want to use him.”

The Angels made a few roster moves Monday, including selecting the contract of right-hander Shaun Anderson, optioning José Fermin to Triple-A Salt Lake and designating for assignment lefty Garrett McDaniels.

Fermin pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings on Sunday against the Mariners, but the Angels needed a long reliever.

If McDaniels clears waivers, he must be offered back to the Dodgers for $50,000 because he’s a Rule 5 Draft pick. He was reinstated from the injured list on Monday after being out since May 2 with left biceps tendinitis.

“We needed length, and we wanted to keep our depth,” Washington said. “As well as Fermin pitched, I’m sure Seattle is wondering why we optioned him. But we needed length. I really haven't had a conversation about why [about McDaniels] but we all know that his velocity declined. And again, sometimes it comes down to making decisions, and they’ve got to be tough.”

Wade could take the roster spot of Soler if he needs to be placed on the 10-day injured list. Soler underwent further testing on his groin on Monday but didn’t hear the results just yet. He did play on Sunday, drawing a walk as a pinch-hitter in the ninth before being replaced by Matthew Lugo as a pinch-runner. If Soler is deemed OK, Lugo is the player most likely to be optioned.

“He got his MRI, and we’re still gathering information,” Washington said of Soler. “So we don't have anything on that today.”

Wade has struggled this season, posting a slash line of .167/.275/.271 with one home run, eight doubles, two triples and 15 RBIs in 50 games. But he has a career slash line of .238/.344/.398 and was solid last season, slashing .260/.380/.381 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 117 games.

Wade has primarily played first base in his seven-year career, but Nolan Schanuel is the club's everyday player there and has been getting better as the season has gone along. Wade has experience in both outfield corners, and he’ll play there with the Angels, Washington said.

Trout, who returned on May 30 after missing a month with a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee, has served exclusively as designated hitter since his coming off the IL. He did pregame outfield drills on Friday and Saturday but took the day off from outfield work on Sunday. Trout was at DH again on Monday and his return to right field doesn’t seem imminent.

“We haven’t gotten to that decision yet,” Washington said.