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Valbuena tragically passed away after being involved in a car accident Thursday in Venezuela, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
Valbuena played with the Mariners, Indians, Cubs, Astros and Angels over 11 major-league seasons and was only 33 years old.
Valbuena was released by the Angels on Tuesday.
Unsurprisingly, no team wanted to claim a 32-year-old who hasn't reached the Mendoza Line in two seasons. He has done enough earlier in his career for him to latch on somewhere on a minor-league deal, but he's unlikely to make a significant fantasy impact unless he makes an unexpected turnaround.
The Angels designated Valbuena for assignment Sunday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.
With the Angels needing to clear a roster spot for their starting pitcher Sunday against the Indians (Deck McGuire), Valbuena was the chosen casualty in light of his season-long struggles at the dish. Though the lefty-hitting corner man has been an asset against right-handed pitching for most of his career, Valbuena has delivered a porous .196/.246/.330 batting line (54 wRC+) in those matchups this season. It seems unlikely that any team would be willing to trade for Valbuena or put in a waiver claim for him with the 32-year-old carrying an $8 million base salary for 2018, so it's expected that he'll remain with the Angels organization and accept a minor-league assignment in order to collect the remaining money he's owed.
Valbuena will sit for the second straight game Saturday against Cleveland, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
The trade of Ian Kinsler seemed to open up playing time for Valbuena, with David Fletcher sliding over from third base to second. Instead, it's been Kaleb Cowart who's started three straight games at third. Valbuena figures to fill in occasionally at various spots, but his .199/.253/.335 season line certainly doesn't demand more playing time.
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