Former UK pitcher Alex Meyer part of Twins’ trade with Angels
The Minnesota Twins traded former University of Kentucky pitcher Alex Meyer to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.
Meyer, along with fellow pitcher Ricky Nolasco and cash, was sent to L.A. for pitchers Hector Santiago and Alan Busenitz.
The deal was done Monday before the non-waiver deadline.
Meyer, a 26-year-old 6-foot-9 right-hander, was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals. They traded him to the Minnesota organization prior to the 2013 season.
He hasn’t pitched since May 3 because of right shoulder strain, but he was rehabbing at the Twins’ minor league facility in Fort Myers, Fla., and is close to a return, according to a report on the Angels’ website. He was 1-1 with a 1.04 ERA at Triple-A Rochester before being sidelined.
He has struggled in his short time in the majors, posting an 0-1 record with a 14.21 ERA in four games, two each in 2015 and 2016.
The Angels’ report said the team views Meyer as a starting pitcher long term.
Enjoyed my time with the Twins and thankful for the friends I made. Thank you to the @RocRedWings for making the last 3 summers so great!
— Alex Meyer (@Meyer17A) August 1, 2016
Can't wait for this next opportunity with the Angels!! Ready to get to work!
— Alex Meyer (@Meyer17A) August 1, 2016
Angels GM Billy Eppler said he first engaged the Twins on Alex Meyer during spring training. He’s scheduled to throw live BP Wed. in Tempe.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) August 1, 2016
Angels GM Billy Eppler called the acquisition of Alex Meyer "a calculated risk, and one that we needed to take."
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 1, 2016
This story was originally published August 1, 2016 at 6:20 PM with the headline "Former UK pitcher Alex Meyer part of Twins’ trade with Angels."