The Colorado Rockies took their role as gracious hosts a little too seriously on Saturday night, losing to the Los Angeles 25-1. It turns out, though, the game wasn’t the only business conducted between the two teams. We also had a trade.
Veteran infielder Mike Moustakas is in his first year with the Rockies. But he didn’t play in either Friday or Saturday night’s game with the Angels. Shortly after Saturday night’s game went final, we got a potential reason why.
Robert Murray of Fansided reported that Moustakas had been traded from the Rockies to the Angels.
The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring infielder Mike Moustakas from the Colorado Rockies, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 25, 2023
Both teams later confirmed the deal, which will send minor league pitcher Connor Can Scoyoc to the Rockies.
OFFICIAL: The Angels have acquired INF Mike Moustakas from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league RHP Connor Van Scoyoc. pic.twitter.com/RgZ9Z27sCu
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 25, 2023
The Rockies announced today that they have acquired Minor League RHP Connor Van Scoyoc from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for INF Mike Moustakas. https://t.co/QEUrgmU2bP
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) June 25, 2023
Trades between two teams playing against each other aren’t common — but are by no means unprecedented. In fact, with more interleague play games on the schedule going forward, we should probably expect it more, as teams are generally more willing to find trade partners in the opposite league.
But two teams working out a trade while one is beating the other in one of the more lopsided games in MLB history?
That brought out the comedian in a lot of people in the baseball world.
The Rockies lost so bad they had to forfeit a player. https://t.co/0cq9UEG77a
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) June 25, 2023
Did they get to pick a Rockie because they won 25-1? https://t.co/1YGpeH8Hjb
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 25, 2023
Mike Moustakas during the 25-1 loss:
"I'm begging you. Take me with you! Please!!!" https://t.co/SXg5zT3zUX
— Dustin McComas (@DustinLMcComas) June 25, 2023
Man went from losing 25-1 to winning 25-1 in a matter of moments. Incredible. https://t.co/Kjog04ScQR
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) June 25, 2023
It’s like Mario Baseball when you beat a team’s brains in and then get to steal one of their players to tag along with your squad! https://t.co/4DFTsoVYFi
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) June 25, 2023
Wow, Angels won a game and Mike Moustakas https://t.co/R23xa86pLn
— Razzball (@Razzball) June 25, 2023
Did he like… escape mid-game, or what? https://t.co/6m5ph3BXJx
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) June 25, 2023
Funny timing aside, the Angels are trying to bolster an injury-riddled infield. In addition to bringing in Moustakas, the team acquired Eduardo Escobar on Friday. Gio Urshela is out for the year and Anthony Rendon is presently on the injured list.
Moustakas slashed at .270/.360/.435 and hit four home runs in 47 games and 115 at-bats for the Rockies prior to the trade.
[Robert Murray, Los Angeles Angels, Rockies Club Information]
