Former Dodgers Outfielder Signed to Replace Injured Three-Time MVP

Kevin Pillar’s time as a Los Angeles Dodger was brief. The veteran outfielder collected just one hit in four games in 2022, and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury sliding into third base immediately after hitting a double against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 1 of that year. It would prove to be his only hit in the majors all season.

Even though he wasn’t healthy enough to play, Pillar was a fixture in the Dodgers’ clubhouse and dugout at home games the remainder of the year. It was a dream Pillar held “since I was a little kid driving down the 101 to Dodger Stadium,” and he was determined to live it out.

Pillar probably never dreamed of commuting from his native West Hills all the way to Anaheim — who does? — but at least the next stop of his major league career is bringing him back to Southern California.

The Angels announced Monday they signed Pillar to a major league contract for the minimum, on the same day they announced three-time American League MVP Mike Trout needed surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The Chicago White Sox designated Pillar for assignment on April 26. Last Saturday, he elected free agency instead of accepting his outright assignment to Triple-A. Pillar was hitting .160 for the White Sox — who held the worst record in Major League Baseball at the time — with one home run, four RBIs, and one run scored across 17 games. Pillar also struck out eight times in 25 at-bats, walked four times, and stole two bases.

Trout is out indefinitely, so there’s a chance Pillar will be manning the outfield when the Angels visit Dodger Stadium on June 21-22.

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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