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Angels Predicted to Make Trade After Season-Ending Announcement

The Los Angeles Angels are just 17-25, which is last in the American League West standings. This comes after a franchise record 99 losses last season. As they attempt to climb back into postseason contention, the Angels have also been hit by injuries.

After playing in 29 straight games following a move to right field that intended to keep him healthier, 11-time All-Star Mike Trout landed on the 10-day injured list with a left knee bone bruise. Among others, Trout joined right-handed relief pitcher Ben Joyce on the injured list, who was placed there in April due to right shoulder inflammation.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ben Joyce (44)

After some conflicting reports on the perceived severity of Joyce's injury, the Angels made the unfortunate announcement that he would undergo surgery and be out for the season.

“Ben Joyce underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder earlier this morning," the team announced on Wednesday. "He is expected to miss the remainder of the season.”

Had the Angels been higher up the standings, perhaps the Joyce news would prompt them to pursue another late-inning reliever in the trade market. Instead, the team is predicted to go in a different direction, and actually trade away from its bullpen.

In an article on Thursday, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted the Angels could deal right-handed closer Kenley Jansen before the deadline.

"Closer Kenley Jansen, who's playing on a one-year, $10 million contract, could also be a popular trade target this summer," he wrote.

After a perfect start to his Angels tenure, pitching eight straight scoreless outings, Jansen has struggled recently. In the month of May, he has surrendered eight earned runs in just three innings pitched.