Escobar highlights Halos' infield shakeup

DENVER -- With their depth tested due to injuries to Anthony Rendon, Gio Urshela and Zach Neto, the Angels debuted an almost entirely new infield on Saturday against the Rockies.

Eduardo Escobar, who was acquired in a trade with the Mets on Friday, made his Angels debut at third base, while David Fletcher had his contract selected from Triple-A Salt Lake and made his first start at shortstop since April 10. And that wasn’t all, as veteran right fielder Hunter Renfroe made just his second career start at first base after spending time working at the position last week. Brandon Drury was the only incumbent, starting at second base, while Renfroe’s start at first allowed Mickey Moniak to start in right.

The lineup change paid off in a big way in a historic 25-1 win over the Rockies, as Renfroe and Moniak both went 5-for-5, while Escobar went 2-for-4 with four runs scored and Fletcher went 4-for-6 with five RBIs, including a three-run homer.

And the Angels are set to make further changes, as they acquired veteran Mike Moustakas in a trade with Colorado after the game. Moustakas is expected to see most of his time at first base against right-handers.

Angels manager Phil Nevin said before the game that he’s simply trying to get his best lineup on the field, and that he’s excited about the addition of Escobar to the roster. Escobar is expected to see time at third base until Rendon returns from his left wrist contusion and can be viewed as a replacement for Urshela, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a fractured left pelvis. Escobar can also play second or short, and has some outfield experience.

“We feel happy with the move made yesterday and the move to get Fletch here, too,” Nevin said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Esky. And making up the lineup, this gets Mickey in there so we have all four [outfielders] in there. And playing first isn’t totally foreign for Renfroe.”

Escobar, 34, said he was surprised to be traded, especially considering he found out during New York's game against the Phillies on Friday night. But the 13-year veteran said he's excited to join a team in contention for the postseason and is open to playing wherever he’s needed. He'd been hitting well since May 1 despite not getting regular playing time, batting .321/.379/.491 over his last 23 games.

“I’ve always tried to be the best teammate throughout my career and bring the best energy to the team,” Escobar said. “I’m so happy to be there. I told the manager no matter what you need, I’ll be ready.”

Fletcher was also a surprise addition, as he had been passed up during recent callups for infielders such as Andrew Velazquez, Michael Stefanic and Kevin Padlo. But the Angels wanted another true shortstop on their roster, so they optioned Stefanic to Triple-A Salt Lake to make room for Fletcher's return. The Angels are now expected to use a combination of Velazquez and Fletcher at short, while Drury will see most of his action at second and first. Luis Rengifo will split time at second with Drury, while Moustakas will share duties at first with Renfroe and Drury.

“It seems unfair to run Squid [Velazquez] out there every day, and we do have another option at short with Luis, but I lean more toward the defensive side of it,” Nevin said. “Fletcher had also been swinging the bat down there and cleared some hurdles he needed to get through both on and off the field.”

Fletcher played in just eight games before he was outrighted off the roster in mid-April, but played his way back with excellent numbers at Triple-A, hitting .383/.431/.478 in 43 games. He remains under team contract through 2025 with team options for '26 and '27 after he signed a five-year deal worth $26 million before the 2020 season. But he handled being sent down well, and is ready for another opportunity.

“It wasn’t tough,” Fletcher said. “I just kind of focus on wherever I’m at. And that’s it. I’m just happy to be here.”

The Angels also sent first baseman Jared Walsh down to Triple-A Salt Lake so he can get on track after struggling this season, hitting .119 with one homer and five RBIs in 28 games. He opened the season on the injured list with neurological issues before returning in mid-May. But he had trouble with his timing, and this will give him a chance to reset. He also made a few costly defensive miscues, including a throw that Velazquez couldn’t handle in Friday’s loss.

“He’s going to be here again, but we gotta get him right,” Nevin said. “Our best team is him playing to his capabilities, but it’s not there right now. He’s not the first one to go down and do these things.”