Los Angeles Angels General Manager Billy Eppler added to his impressive offseason makeover of the team's roster today, announcing that the franchise acquired veteran infielder Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for outfielder Troy Montgomery and pitcher Wilkel Hernandez.
Kinsler fills an immediate need at second base, and is the team's second major addition in the past few days, along with versatile Japanese star Shohei Ohtani.
Kinsler, 35, completed his 12th big league season in 2017, batting .236 (130/551) with 25 doubles, three triples, 22 home runs, 52 RBI and 90 runs scored. As such, he adds another powerful bat to an already potent Angels lineup featuring stars Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Justin Upton.
Kinsler is also an excellent defensive player. Last year, he appeared in 135 games at second where he posted a .983 fielding percentage and committed just 10 errors. He led American League second baseman with six defensive runs saved and a 6.1 UZR. Since making his big league debut in 2006, Kinsler leads all Major League second baseman with 108 defensive runs saved which rank seventh overall in the Majors.
Kinsler is a four time All-Star (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014) and was the recipient of an American League Gold Glove in 2016.
Montgomery, 22, appeared in 100 games across three different levels of the Angels organization last season, batting a combined .271 (101/373) with eight home runs and 38 RBI.
Hernandez, 18, posted a 4-1 record with a 2.64 ERA (44.1 IP-13 ER) in 2017 for the AZL Angels and Single-A Orem. Hernandez has played in 17 games since signing with the Angels in 2016, posting a 6-1 record with a combined 2.28 ERA (59.1 IP – 15 ER).
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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