Apr 15, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Jonathan Villar runs to the dugout after hitting a sacrifice RBI in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Angels sign veteran infielder Jonathan Villar

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/2/22

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free agent infielder Jonathan Villar.

#Angels Transactions:
•Signed INF Jonathan Villar to a Major League contract and added to active roster
•Optioned C Matt Thaiss to Triple-A Salt Lake
•Transferred RHP Archie Bradley to 60-day injured list
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) July 2, 2022

Villar, 31, began the season with the Chicago Cubs, signing a one-year deal with the team after a productive 2021 season with the New York Mets.

Last season Villar slashed .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs and 42 RBIs in 142 games.

In 46 games with the Cubbies this season, Villar struggled to find consistency at the plate. Villar batted .222/.271/.327 with two home runs, 15 RBIs, and 42 strikeouts in 166 plate appearances.

The Cubs designated Villar for assignment on June 24. The 10-year MLB veteran predictably balked at a demotion to the minor leagues, receiving his unconditional release on June 29.

Angels' manager Phil Nevin told the media on Saturday that Villar could be in the lineup tomorrow and should expect regular time at third base.

Jonathan Villar hasn’t arrived to the clubhouse yet but could be in the lineup as soon as tomorrow, per Nevin. Villar is expected to see regular time at 3B. He was signed by the #Angels after being released by the Cubs.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 2, 2022

The Philadelphia Phillies originally signed Villar in 2008 as an amateur free agent. Since making his debut in 2013, Villar has played over 1,000 MLB games for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Cubs.

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