Angels' moves prove 'we're in this thing'

This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger's Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

DENVER -- If there’s one thing to know about Angels general manager Perry Minasian, he’s not afraid to be aggressive.

When the Angels lost Gio Urshela, Zach Neto and Anthony Rendon to the injured list, they tried to patch things up by leaning on their internal depth. But after being shut out in back-to-back games to the Dodgers on Tuesday and Wednesday and going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a frustrating 7-4 loss to the Rockies on Friday, Minasian decided to go outside the organization for help.

The first trade came late Friday, when they acquired veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar from the Mets in exchange for Minor League right-handers Landon Marceaux and Coleman Crow. And then after Saturday’s historic 25-1 win at Coors Field, they traded for another veteran infielder in Mike Moustakas from the Rockies for Minor League right-hander Connor Van Scoyoc.

Angels superstar Mike Trout said the moves brought some energy to the clubhouse, as it shows the club is serious about contending this season in its aim to make the postseason for the first time since 2014 and in the last year of Shohei Ohtani’s contract.

“Perry and Phil [Nevin] are doing a great job because we had some guys get banged up and we brought in some guys who can make an impact,” Trout said. “That’s just how Perry is. We’re in this thing. The guys feel it and it’s fun to be a part of.”

Nevin was equally excited about the new additions, especially because of what the two 13-year veterans bring to the clubhouse. Escobar, 34, has long been known as one of the most entertaining and likable teammates in the Majors, while Moustakas, 34, brings leadership skills and won a World Series with the Royals in 2015.

It’s worth noting that Escobar was especially close with Angels special assistant to the GM Kurt Suzuki during their time with the Twins from 2014-16, and Moustakas was a teammate of catching coach Drew Butera with Kansas City from 2015-18.

“It's a jolt to the room when you know your general manager and front office are working their tail off to make us better,” Nevin said. “It's just what the room sees. And knowing that we're still pushing and striving and not somebody that's getting rid of players. So it’s a sense of we’re in this and let’s go.”

Moustakas, a three-time All-Star, had a couple down years with the Reds in '21 and '22 but turned it around with the Rockies this season after signing a Minor League deal in the offseason. He hit .270/.360/.435 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 47 games. And it wasn't inflated by Coors Field, as he has a .773 OPS at home and an .813 OPS on the road.

It’s also a homecoming for Moustakas, who went to Chatsworth High School and still lives in the area. He’s expected to make his debut at third base on Monday but will see most of his time at first base against right-handed pitchers, forming a platoon of sorts with Brandon Drury and Hunter Renfroe.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing baseball in California again, so to play for the Angels, I’m really excited,” Moustakas said. “I play this game to win the World Series and I was fortunate to do it once and I want to do it again. So to come over here and have an opportunity, it’s special.”

Escobar has already contributed, going 4-for-8 with a triple and five runs scored through his first two games with the Angels. It’s a continuation of a hot streak with New York, as he was hitting .321/.379/.491 since May 1.

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and I’ve been working hard at my routine,” Escobar said. “I just try to do what I can control and so I try to have a good routine and be a good teammate. I just like to bring my energy and bring everyone together.”