The Angels have claimed infielder Ryan Wheeler off waivers from the Rockies, according to a baseball source. Wheeler was designated for assignment by the Rockies earlier in the week, and will report to the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake.
Wheeler, 26, is a Los Angeles native and tweeted out his thoughts on the move.
So incredibly excited!
— Ryan Wheeler (@RyanGWheeler4) August 2, 2014
Wheeler has spent the season split between the Rockies and their Triple-A affiliate, hitting .232/.281/.375 and hitting two home runs in 31 games in the majors. His numbers are better with Triple-A Colorado Springs, as he has hit .243/.293/.343 in 59 games. In 109 major league games with the Diamondbacks (2012) and Rockies (2013-2014), he is a lifetime .233/.280/.335 hitter with three home runs and 30 RBI.
Wheeler will provide depth at the corner infield positions for the Angels, as he has played both first base and third base throughout his major league career.