Angels Lose Player to Division Rival on Sunday

Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Angels Lose Player to Division Rival on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 12, 2026 3:36 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels lost a member of their infield depth on Sunday after Donovan Walton was claimed off waivers by the Athletics, ending his brief stint with the organization.

The move comes as the Angels continue evaluating their roster before the All-Star break under first-year manager Kurt Suzuki.

Walton had been designated for assignment earlier in the week, and the Athletics claimed the 31-year-old utility infielder, giving him a fresh opportunity within the American League West. The Angels entered Sunday with a 38-58 record, last in the division, while the Athletics sat fourth at 41-54.

INF Donovan Walton has been claimed off waivers by the Athletics
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) July 12, 2026

Walton appeared in 30 games for the Angels this season after joining the club on a minor league contract last December. He provided unexpected production, batting .319 with three home runs, 12 RBIs and an .860 OPS in limited action before being removed from the 40-man roster.

Capable of playing second base, shortstop and third base, Walton gave the Angels valuable defensive flexibility while producing well above his career offensive numbers. Before arriving in Anaheim, he spent time with the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.

Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki (8)Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The move continues the Angels' roster reshuffling under Suzuki, who took over as manager before the 2026 season. The former MLB catcher has overseen a club looking to balance veteran contributors with younger players during a difficult campaign.

For the Athletics, Walton adds experienced infield depth as they continue evaluating talent during the second half. For the Angels, the waiver claim opens another roster spot as the club searches for answers while sitting at the bottom of the AL West.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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