Angels sign outfielder Adam Eaton

The Angels bolstered their outfield depth on Wednesday, signing veteran Adam Eaton to a Major League contract two days after he was released by the White Sox. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, left-hander Dillon Peters was designated for assignment.

Eaton, 32, gives the Angels a much-needed corner outfielder, as left fielder Justin Upton has been out since June 22 with a lower back strain and superstar center fielder Mike Trout has been out since May 17 with a right calf strain. Both players are expected to start a rehab assignment soon, but the Halos have been low on outfield depth for the last few weeks.

The Angels have played infielders such as Luis Rengifo, Phil Gosselin and Jose Rojas in the outfield in recent weeks, so Eaton should be a major upgrade defensively. Juan Lagares is expected to remain in center field in the short-term with Trout out, while Taylor Ward is likely to see time in left with Eaton in right field.

Eaton, a 10-year veteran, was released by the White Sox after hitting .201/.298/.344 with five homers, eight doubles and 28 RBIs in 58 games. He also scuffled offensively in 2020 with the Nationals, batting .226/.285/.384 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 41 games. But Eaton has a strong track record as a left-handed hitter, with a career slash line of .278/.356/.412 in 889 games with the D-backs, White Sox and Nationals. He’s set to be a free agent after the season.