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UPDATE — Los Angeles is still fielding offers for Yunel Escobar, with the Mets also interested in the veteran infielder, according to Pedro Moura of The Los Angeles Times.
Escobar could give the Mets depth at third base, which would allow Jose Reyes to serve as a utilityman.
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ORIGINAL — The Angels are listening on infielder Yunel Escobar and the Giants are among the teams who have expressed interest, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
Escobar, 33, has appeared exclusively at third base for the Halos so far this season but has experience at second base and shortstop in his career. He has hit well in his first season as an Angel, posting a .310/.359/.409 line with three homers in 69 games.
San Francisco is looking for third base help in the wake of Matt Duffy straining his Achilles’ tendon over the weekend. Duffy is currently on the 15-day disabled list, but could miss significant time if the issue recurs during his rehab process.
The Giants are currently working with Conor Gillaspie and Ramiro Pena at third base, and have not showed interest in promoting top prospect Christian Arroyo at this point. A deal for Escobar could fill the void in the near future, with the veteran becoming a super-utility player behind Duffy, Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik when Duffy returns.
Other teams, including the Mets, are known to be looking for third base help in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline on August 1. The Angels, who currently sit 8.5 games out of a playoff spot, will likely continue shopping Escobar and other veterans as they fall further out of contention over the next month.