Detroit Tigers trade slugger Justin Upton to Los Angeles Angels for pitching prospect
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Justin Upton is eager to get back into a playoff race. The Los Angeles Angels badly need another big bat to bolster their postseason push.
After the Angels acquired the slugger in a late-season trade Thursday, Upton also has at least one month in Orange County to decide whether to make it his long-term home.
The Angels acquired the four-time All-Star outfielder from the Detroit Tigers, giving up pitching prospect Grayson Long and cash or a player to be named. Los Angeles also allowed Cameron Maybin to leave on a waiver claim by the Houston Astros, clearing the way for Upton to take over in left field.
The 30-year-old Upton was an All-Star this season with the struggling Tigers, batting .279 with 28 homers and 94 RBIs.