The Angels on Saturday placed Raul Ibanez on waivers for purposes of granting him his unconditional release, ending their brief tenure with the 42-year-old designated hitter and part-time outfielder.
Angels release Raul Ibanez
The 42-year-old slugger hit just .157 with three home runs in 57 games.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Ibanez, who hit 29 home runs as a 41-year-old with Seattle in 2013, was signed by the Angels during the offseason to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million. But he hit just .157/.258/.265 with three home runs in 57 games.
The Angels called up Efren Navarro from Triple-A Salt Lake to take Ibanez's spot on the roster, though the bulk of playing time figures to go to C.J. Cron, who started on Saturday night at designated hitter for the Angels and homered, his fifth of the year.
On Saturday night Ibanez released a statement through the Angels.
“When I signed with the Angels I expected to be a productive member of a championship caliber team. I am disappointed in the way that I performed for this great organization,” Ibanez said. “I appreciate the opportunity that Arte Moreno, Jerry Dipoto, and Mike Scioscia provided me with. Jerry and Mike were totally straight forward and professional with me today, and I will always appreciate and respect them for that.
“I was blessed to have spent some quality time with a first-class organization, manager, staff and incredible teammates. My teammates are not only talented, hard-working, and professional, but also great human beings. I wish them and the Angels’ tremendous fans nothing but the best.”
See More:
