Angels Acquire Pitcher Zack Greinke from Brewers

In a determined effort to close the gap with AL West-leading Texas Rangers, the Los Angeles Angels have acquired right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for infielder Jean Segura and pitchers Ariel Pena and Johnny Hellweg.

In Greinke, 28, the Angels received a quality starter and former Cy Young winner who went 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 21 starts this season with Milwaukee. In 2011, Greinke compiled a 16-6 mark with a 3.83 ERA in 28 starts.

At various times this season, the Angels' starting rotation has been hit with bouts of injury and inconsistency. In particular, number 3 and 4 starters Dan Haren (7-8, 4.76 ERA) and Ervin Santana (4-10, 6.00 ERA) have struggled to find their form. Greinke should alleviate some of those issues and provide stability on the mound every fifth day.

Greinke is in his ninth year in the bigs, and owns an all-time record of 85-76 with a 3.79 ERA in 259 games.

But with many playoff-contending teams looking to acquire Greinke, Ryan Dempster, or one of the few other quality arms on the market, the Angels had to give up some intriguing and talented prospects in order to close the deal.

Segura, 22, entered 2012 rated as the organization’s second best prospect by Baseball America. The Dominican Republic native has spent a majority of the season in Double-A Arkansas where he hit .294 (110/374) with 50 runs, seven home runs and 40 RBI in 94 games with the Travelers. The 2012 Future’s Game participant made his Major League debut on Tuesday, going hitless in his only three professional at-bats.

Pena, 22, has spent the entire 2012 campaign pitching in Double-A Arkansas, posting a 6-6 record with a 2.99 ERA (114.1 IP – 38 ER) and 111 strikeouts in 19 starts. The 111 punch outs were tied for second in the Texas League while the 2.99 ERA ranked fifth. Over six minor league seasons, the Dominican Republic native owns a 35-21 record with a 3.02 ERA (453.1 IP – 152 ER) and 418 strikeouts. The right-hander entered the 2012 campaign ranked as the ninth best prospect in the Angel organization by Baseball America.

Hellweg, 23, is in his fifth season in the Angels’ system, pitching the 2012 campaign with the double-A Arkansas Travelers. In 21 starts, the 6’9”, 210-pounder is 5-10 with one complete game and a 3.38 ERA (119.2 IP – 45 ER). For 2012, he was named the club’s fourth best prospect by Baseball America.

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services