OC Register: Angels acquire Tommy La Stella to bolster infield depth

[AngelsWin.com]

The Angels on Thursday acquired infielder Tommy La Stella from the Chicago Cubs for cash or a player to be named, adding some experience, versatility and a knack for getting on base to their infield depth chart.

La Stella, 29, has played parts of five seasons in the majors, four with the Cubs. He has a career .345 on-base percentage, including .389 as recently as 2017.

La Stella has played 147 games at second, 89 at third and one at first base. The Angels have told him to be prepared to play all three this year.

The Angels currently have Andrelton Simmons as their shortstop and Albert Pujols as their first baseman, for as much as he’s capable of playing. Pujols is coming back from knee surgery. They also have Zack Cozart coming back from shoulder surgery, prepared to play either second or third.

La Stella goes into the mix to fill around those players.

David Fletcher is currently the leading candidate to start at second or third – whichever Cozart doesn’t play – but he will also compete in spring training with Taylor Ward and Luis Rengifo at those infield spots. Minor leaguers Matt Thaiss and Jared Walsh also could be in the mix at first base.

The Angels have been trying to improve their on-base percentage for two seasons. Last year, their .313 on-base percentage ranked 10th in the league.

La Stella has not had an on-base percentage lower than .328 in any season in which he’s had 100 plate appearances.

In order to create a spot on the 40-man roster for La Stella, the Angels released outfielder Jabari Blash.

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