Blash was with the Angels for 24 games in 2018 and had a .103/.200/.128 slash line in 39 at-bats. The 29-year-old found significant success with Triple-A Salt Lake, however, posting a 188 wRC+ with 29 home runs despite a 29.5-percent strikeout rate. Blash has been unable to translate his minor-league excellence to the majors -- in large part due to his strikeout issues -- so he'll instead test his luck in Japan.

Blash was cut loose to free up room on the Angels' 40-man roster for Tommy La Stella, who was acquired from the Cubs in a corresponding move. The 29-year-old outfielder hit .317/.431/.700 with 29 homers across 83 games with Triple-A Salt Lake in 2018, though he's set to translate his minor-league success to the majors. Over parts of three big-league campaigns, Blash owns a .186/.306/.307 triple-slash.

Blash has appeared in 114 games over the last three season, struggling to a .192/.311/.318 slash line. The 29-year-old will be little more than a bench bat down the stretch.

Blash was bumped off the 25-man roster after Mike Trout (wrist) was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list. Blash went 1-for-3 with a double and two strikeouts in one game during his latest stint in the big leagues.