Angels acquire Conor Gillaspie from White Sox

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Saturday, July 25, 2015

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels acquired infielder Conor Gillaspie from the Chicago White Sox for cash Friday.

Gillaspie was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Sunday. He hit .237 with 15 RBIs in 58 games, making 50 starts at third base for last-place Chicago.

He is likely to get playing time at third base in the next two weeks for the Angels, who lost starting third baseman David Freese to a broken right index finger Wednesday. Gillaspie also plays first base.

"Conor is a kid that had a really good year last year and struggled this year," manager Mike Scioscia said before the Angels hosted Texas on Friday night. "We know he's a better player than he showed this year. We know he's a good hitter. Hopefully he'll rebound to where he was at the start of this year, get a fresh start and contribute for us."

The 28-year-old Gillaspie is expected to join the American League West leaders this weekend. He is a former 37th-round draft pick by the Giants, playing in 29 games over three seasons before San Francisco traded him to the White Sox in 2013.

The Angels called up Kyle Kubitza from Triple-A Salt Lake after Freese's finger was broken when he was hit by a pitch, and utility man Taylor Featherston also plays third base. Kubitza was in their starting lineup at third base Friday.

Freese must wear a splint on his non-displaced fracture for two weeks before the Angels know how much longer he'll be out.

Angels fill-in starter Nick Tropeano, who gave up four runs and seven hits over six innings in a 4-2 loss Friday night,was optioned back to Triple-A Salt Lake after the game to make room for Gillaspie.

The Angels designated left-hander Adam Wilk for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster. He pitched one game for Los Angeles this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.