Luis Valbuena Stats
- Height / Weight
- 5' 10" / 215 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 11/30/1985 (38)
- Experience
- 11
Luis Valbuena Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Luis Valbuena News
Free-agent infielder Luis Valbuena and former major leaguer Jose Castillo were both killed in a car accident in Venezuela on Thursday. Both players were leaving the stadium after playing in a game in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Authorities said their car went to the opposite side of the road while trying to avoid a sliding rock. Valbuena played in the majors for 11 seasons, most recently with the Angels the last two years. Castillo played in the majors from 2004 to 2008. RotoBaller extends its condolences to the families of the two players.
The Los Angeles Angels have designated infielder Luis Valbuena for assignment. Valbuena was in the midst of an ill-fated two-year, $15 million dollar contract. He was slashing an abysmal .199/.253/.335 with nine home runs and three steals. At the moment, it appears that utility infielder Kaleb Cowart and Jefry Marte will split time at third until Taylor Ward gets the call in September. Neither Marte or Cowart is worth anything outside of very deep leagues. Deck McGuire was recalled to make a spot start.
Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher is starting at third base and hitting ninth on Monday against right-hander Lucas Giolito. Typically, Fletcher will start against left-handers with Luis Valbuena taking the majority of playing time against right-handers. No word if Fletcher has won the starting third base job outright, or if this is simply a day off for Valbuena. If Fletcher is going to get every day at-bats, he is worth a look in deeper formats. He is currently hitting .273 with one home run and one steal in 88 at-bats.