Angels parting ways with outfielder Justin Upton

Veteran outfielder Justin Upton was designated for project by the Angels on Saturday, marking the second consecutive yr by which the crew has swallowed a large contract to clear enjoying time for youthful gamers.

Upton, 34, is about to make $28 million in 2022, the ultimate season of a five-year, $106-million contract extension he signed with the crew earlier than 2018. The Angels could have seven days to commerce Upton or launch him, and the crew buying or signing him should pay solely $700,000 of his wage, with the Angels answerable for the remaining.

Upton hit the ball arduous this spring, batting .333 (5 for 15) with three homers and 11 RBIs in seven video games, however he’s coming off three injury-marred seasons throughout which he hit .211 with a .713 on-base-plus-slugging proportion and had 38 homers and 103 RBIs in 194 video games.

Upton’s departure will clear left area for the left-handed-hitting Brandon Marsh, 24, and the right-handed-hitting Taylor Ward, 28, who’re anticipated to platoon on the place, with Jo Adell, 21, anticipated to start out in proper area. The Angels may rotate Marsh, Ward and Adell within the two nook spots.

Saturday’s transfer, which got here 5 days earlier than Thursday night time’s regular-season opener towards the Houston Astros, was harking back to one the Angels made final Could, when veteran first basemen Albert Pujols was designated for project one month into the ultimate season of a 10-year, $240-million contract that paid him $30 million final season.

That cleared first base for Jared Walsh, who hit .277 with an .850 OPS, 29 homers and 98 RBIs. He was named an American League All-Star for the primary time.

Upton has a profession .262 common and .814 OPS with 324 homers and 1,000 RBIs in 15 seasons. He hit .232 with a .764 OPS, 75 homers and 203 RBIs in his 5 seasons with the Angels.