CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs traded their best pinch hitter, infielder Tommy La Stella, to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The trade comes one day after the Cubs acquired versatile infielder Ronald Torreyes from the New York Yankees.
A fan favorite who was popular with teammates, the 29-year-old La Stella set the Cubs' single-season record with 24 pinch hits last season, compiling an .813 OPS off the bench. As soon as he accepted his role off the bench, he thrived at the plate while becoming a leader in the dugout.