Anaheim, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – The Los Angeles Angels acquired outfielder
Matt Joyce from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed reliever
Kevin Jepsen.
The move was announced Tuesday by both teams.
“Matt was an important part of this team for the last six seasons,” said Rays
co-vice president of baseball operations Erik Neander. “We appreciate his many
contributions to the Rays on the field, and the professionalism he brought to
the ballpark.
“We’re excited about the experience Kevin brings to the bullpen, and his
ability to pitch in key moments of the game.”
Joyce, 30, has spent six of his seven major league seasons with the Rays and
hit .254 this year with nine home runs, 52 RBI, 23 doubles and a .349 on-base
percentage.
He is a career .250 hitter with 88 homers, 313 RBI and a .342 on-base
percentage in 725 games.
Jepsen, 30, has played all seven of his MLB seasons for the Angels, He is
coming off his best season as a pro after posting a 2.63 ERA in 74 appearances
out of the bullpen, both career bests. He had 75 strikeouts and 23 walks in 65
innings.
