Alongside Mike Moustakas and Eduardo Escobar, the Los Angeles Angels made a more subtle signing after they nabbed veteran Daniel Murphy on a Minor League contract a month ago.
Since then, Murphy has been shaking off some rust since playing in a Major League system, spending time with the Salt Lake Bees in Triple-A. Because Anthony Rendon is an oft-injured asset in the corner infield, coupled with Jared Walsh and Gio Urhsela being out, Murphy can certainly be of use.
26-year-old Luis Rengifo has taken the majority of at-bats at second base, and although he’s a switch hitter, he’s struggled to hit right-handed pitchers. He’s done most of his damage in the power category, but Rengifo’s subpar numbers could make Murphy a clear tandem guy.
Having last played at the big league level in 2020, and after posting a .608 on-base plus slugging, Murphy decided to retire. But the Angels noticed him mashing in Independent ball, and hope he can maintain his production, but bring his experience with him, per Sam Blum of the Athletic:
“Being where he is now and having accomplished all the things that he’s accomplished, he didn’t get there by pure luck,” Bees manager Keith Johnson said. “The way he goes about his business — the way he prepares, his daily routines — those are some things that can rub off on some of the other guys here.”
Murphy flashed an incredible turnaround in MLB after seeming to reinvent himself with the New York Mets during the 2015 postseason. With the Bees this season, he’s been a solid contributor after deciding he wasn’t done with baseball yet.
If Nevin and the front office find a way to get Murphy into the fold could prove to be a roster spot well spent.
Phil Nevin believes the second half is Angels ‘defining moment’
Having been decimated by injuries in recent weeks, the Angels have dug into the upper levels of their Minor League system to fill slots, even trading for veteran infielders.
Acquiring Mike Moustakas from the Colorado Rockies and Eduardo Escobar from the New York Mets are what the Angels needed to do as half of their starting infield is out due to injury.
Nevin understands where the team is at, and has an optimistic view as they try to rise from the depths of the AL West.
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