The Los Angeles Angels assigned four-time All-Star quarterback Justin Upton to Saturday’s assignment, according to Jeff Passan of ESPNwhich means he’ll probably hit free agency soon.
Upton, 34, was traded to the Angels by the Detroit Tigers in August 2017, shortly after winning the fourth All-Star nod of his career. A few months after the deal, Los Angeles keeps Upton with a five-year, $106 million contract.
While Upton finished his first season with the Angels with 30 home runs and 85 runs, he struggled with injuries during his next three seasons with the team. In 2021, Upton spent a few spots on the injury list due to back problems and finished with a batting average of .211 with 41 RBIs in 89 games.
Upton will charge $28 million over the Angels salary cap in the unlikely event that either team chooses to swap the midfielder. The decision to fire the midfielder and earn that salary came after Upton performed strongly in spring training with an average of 0.333 batting, three home runs, 11 RBI and three walks in seven games.
Instead, Los Angeles looks set to start the regular season with Brandon Marsh and Taylor Ward taking on left-hand duties.
