Angels add outfielders David Murphy, David DeJesus via trades

Reporting from HOUSTON â€”  The Angels bypassed bigger names and bats on the trade market for more modest upgrades in left field, acquiring left-handed-hitting David DeJesus from Tampa Bay and David Murphy from Cleveland on Tuesday.

DeJesus, 35, and Murphy, 33, give the Angels platoon options to pair with right-handed-hitting outfielder Shane Victorino, who was aquired from Boston on Monday, and right-handed-hitting designated hitter C.J. Cron.

The trio should boost a left field position, held mostly by Matt Joyce, that began play Tuesday with a .212 average, five home runs and a .589 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, ranking last in the major leagues in all three categories.

“I feel a lot better getting some guys who can play left field,� interim General Manager Bill Stoneman said during the Angels’ 10-5 loss to the Houston Astros in Minute Maid Park. “And I feel a whole lot better about our chances.�

The Angels will feel even better if star center fielder Mike Trout, who sat out Tuesday night’s game because of a sore left wrist, is not sidelined for long.

Trout, who is hitting .315 with a major league-leading 31 home runs, 64 runs batted in and 75 runs, underwent an X-ray Monday and an MRI exam Tuesday, the X-ray showing no fractures and the MRI exam showing inflammation but no structural damage. He is listed as day to day and is questionable for Wednesday.

“The MRI was probably the best it could be,� Trout said. “I have to take the positives from that.�

Trout jammed the wrist while attempting a diving catch in the fourth inning of the Angels’ victory over Texas on Sunday. He remained in the game and hit two singles and a grand slam, but the wrist stiffened Monday and ached after a few swings Tuesday.

“I took a couple of swings in the cage and obviously felt it, it was bothering me pretty bad,� Trout said. “The soreness went away, but we’ll see how it goes swinging [Wednesday]. I’m hoping it feels all right, but obviously, I don’t want to make it worse.�

When Trout returns, he’ll have a new teammate in left field. Victorino, acquired for triple-A infielder Josh Rutledge, started there Tuesday and had a bunt single in four at-bats.

DeJesus, acquired for rookie-league right-hander Eduar Lopez, hit .259 with five home runs and 26 RBIs in 82 games for the Rays, with 224 of 232 at-bats coming against right-handed pitchers.

Murphy, acquired for double-A shortstop Eric Stamets, hit .296 with five home runs and 27 RBIs in 84 games for the Indians, with 192 of 206 at-bats coming against right-handers.

DeJesus, Murphy and Victorino are not expected to have the kind effect Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez, Cincinnati’s Jay Bruce or Milwaukee’s Gerardo Parra might have had, but they also didn’t cost the Angels any premium prospects, a list headed by pitchers Sean Newcomb, Nate Smith and Chris Ellis.

“It wasn’t really our intent to try to use him in a deal,� Stoneman said of Newcomb, a hard-throwing, 6-foot-5, 245-pound Class-A left-hander who has been compared to Jon Lester.

“We were hit with requests for players we didn’t think it was smart to move for what we were getting back. There were some things we could have done that we didn’t, but we’re happy with the ones we did.�

DeJesus and Murphy are also far more affordable than Gonzalez and Bruce. DeJesus, a 13-year veteran, is getting $5 million this season and has a $5-million club option for 2016 with a $1-million buyout. Murphy, a 10-year veteran, is getting $6 million this season and has a $7-million option with a $500,000 buyout for 2016.

“They’re veteran guys who have played in very important games before, including the playoffs,� Stoneman said, “and that sort of experience should help us as we approach September.�

Murphy was scratched from Tuesday night’s lineup against Kansas City, but it took two more hours for the deal to be finalized.

“At that point, my mind started racing, wondering what might happen,� said Murphy, who can play the corner outfield spots. “It was a crazy two hours. … I’m just happy to be part of a great team.�

DeJesus, who can play all three outfield spots, has made one playoff appearance, with the Rays in 2013.

“It’s great to be in the major leagues, but there’s something special about going to the playoffs,� DeJesus said. “It’s why you play the game. I’m excited for the opportunity to join a first-place team.�