Shane Victorino to Angels: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Los Angeles Angels announced Monday that they traded infielder Josh Rutledge and cash considerations in exchange for Boston Red Sox veteran outfielder Shane Victorino.    

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe added that the Red Sox have called up Triple-A outfielder Rusney Castillo as a prospective replacement in Boston's rotation. The Red Sox will pay $3.8 million of the remaining $4.9 million on Victorino's deal, according to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston.  

Victorino thanked the organization and Red Sox fans on Twitter: 

Veteran MLB reporter Peter Gammons weighed in on the deal:

The 34-year-old Victorino appeared in just 33 games with a slash line of .245/.324/.298. Pedro Moura of the Orange County Register broke down how Victorino's value has diminished in recent years:

The Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin reported the Angels are still looking for help in left field even after acquiring Victorino. Don't be surprised if Los Angeles makes an even bigger move before Friday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline hits.

It makes sense for the Angels to explore alternatives to Victorino. Back surgery caused him to miss most of 2014, and he's dealt with right hamstring issues and a strained left calf that landed him on the disabled list this year.

If Victorino returns anywhere near to his 2013 form, when he had a career-best 6.1 WAR, per ESPN.com, and became the second player to hit two postseason grand slams, this trade will be fully justified for L.A. His fielding is also a big positive when healthy, evident in his four Gold Glove Awards.

Rutledge is only 26 years old and hasn't played all season for the Angels, providing the Red Sox with another young asset. He appeared in 266 games with the Colorado Rockies the previous three seasons, batting .259 with 19 home runs and 89 RBI, and has been playing for the Salt Lake Bees in Triple-A this year.