Jonathan

Villar

Villar has really struggled for the Cubs and Angels this season, but the Mariners will give him another shot as a depth addition. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s up with the big club soon.

Villar cleared waivers after the Angels designated him for assignment and has opted to hit the open market. He’ll look for another landing spot for the final two months.

Villar was waived on Sunday after going 8-for-49 with one homer and one steal in his time with the Angels. The 31-year-old infielder is hitting an abysmal .208/.260/.302 with three homers and seven steals across 220 plate appearances this season.

Batting leadoff in the top of the ninth, Villar hit a 404-foot solo home run to left field -- the Angels’ one and only run of the night. The veteran infielder is 8-for-45 (.178) with a home run and a steal since joining the Angels.

Villar could well prove to be a solid mixed-league option if the Angels are going to lead him off every game. He got the nod there again today despite going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts and a walk in his first two games with his new team.

Villar is playing third base and hitting leadoff in his Angels debut against the Astros. The 31-year-old veteran was signed for the remainder of the season after he was released by the Cubs.

Angels interim manager Phil Nevin told reporters that Villar be active for Sunday’s series finale against the Astros and play third base for Los Angeles moving forward. The 31-year-old veteran infielder was cut loose by the Cubs earlier this week after hitting .222/.271/.327 with two homers and six steals in 166 plate appearances over 46 games. He’ll provide the Angels with some infield flexibility over the remainder of the 2022 campaign.

The actual signing isn’t official yet, but Villar is expected to play third base for the Angels in Sunday’s series finale against the Astros. The 31-year-old infielder is expected to finalize a one-year contract with Los Angeles at some point this weekend prior to Sunday’s game. Stay tuned.

Nothing official from the Angels, but it sounds like Villar is headed to Los Angeles. The versatile 31-year-old veteran infielder was released by the Cubs earlier this week after hitting .222/.271/.327 with two homers and six steals in 166 plate appearances over 46 games. He’ll likely settle into a bench role for the Angels.

Villar was designated for assignment by Chicago last week and ultimately passed through waivers unclaimed. He had slashed just .222/.271/.327 through 46 games (166 plate appearances) this year.