LA Angels Cesar Puello is the odd-man out

In baseball you have to make a lot of tough decisions as a manager. LA Angels manager Brad Ausmus and his staff made one today as they DFA’ed Cesar Puello.

For those of you who don’t know who Cesar Puello is, he has been part of the LA Angels left field platoon while Justin Upton was on the IL.  All Puello did in limited at-bats was hit .390 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 41 at-bats.

Puello complemented Brian Goodwin nicely in left field playing against tough left-handed pitchers.  He did everything that was asked of him in his short tie with the Angels, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to stay in the majors for Puello.

What it came down to was just a numbers game.  That and the fact that Goodwin is left-handed and Puello and Upton are right-handed. Puello was seen taking ground balls at first base in hopes of adding some versatility to his game, but again it wasn’t enough.

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The Angels designated Puello for assignment to make room for Justin Upton on the active roster. What this means he will be put through the waivers process where any team can claim him for a small waivers fee.  If no team decides to make a claim on Puello the Angels can then send him outright to the minors. Puello must accept the assignment.

If Puello chooses to do so he would most likely be sent to Triple-A Salt Lake and hope for another chance to prove himself.

The Angels are hopeful that Puello will clear waivers as they do not want to lose him, but only time will tell.  Such is the life of a Major League Baseball player who does not have a guaranteed roster spot. Puello definitely did not do anything to hurt hiss chances of continuing his major league career with the success he had with the Angels this month.

In Puello’s first two games with the Angels he hit two home runs and drove in five runs going 6 for 11 (.556).  Now Puello will have to play the waiting game to see where he will go next.

Good luck Cesar hope to see you again sometime soon!!!