Rays trade David DeJesus to Angels for minor-league pitcher Eduar Lopez
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Eduar Lopez from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for outfielder David DeJesus. The Rays will play tonight's game vs. the Detroit Tigers with 24 players, and will make a corresponding later to replace DeJesus on the active roster.
Lopez, 20, went 2-2 with a 4.32 ERA (33.1-IP, 16-ER) in eight starts for Rookie-level Orem this season, ranking ninth in the Pioneer League in ERA, tied for first in starts and third in strikeouts per nine innings (8.9). Over parts of four minor league seasons, he is 10-9 with a 3.39 ERA (191.1-IP, 72-ER) and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings. He made his professional debut as a 17-year-old in the Dominican Summer League in 2012, finishing third in the league in strikeouts (83). The following year, he ranked among DSL leaders with 83 strikeouts (tied for first), .132 opponents' batting average (first) and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings (first).
Lopez was signed by the Angels as a free agent in 2012, and has been ranked by Baseball America as a Top 30 prospect in the Angels system following each of the last three seasons (2012-14).
DeJesus, 35, is a 13-year veteran who hit .259 (60-for-232) with five home runs and 26 RBI in 82 games for the Rays this season. He started 65 games between left field (44), designated hitter (20) and right field (one). He was acquired from the Washington Nationals in August 2013, and in parts of three seasons with the Rays batted .254 (146-for-574) with 13 home runs, 56 RBI and 33 doubles in 200 games. In 2013, he took part in the first postseason of his career as the Rays advanced to the American League Division Series.
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