DeJesus said it stinks leaving the Rays, but called the trade a “blessing in disguise” with family a first-place team in LA. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays played Tursday night’s game with 24 players, as they traded OF/DH David DeJesus to the Los Angeles Angels for the hard throwing 20 year-old RHP Eduar Lopez.

Per the Rays, Lopez has been ranked by Baseball America as a Top 30 prospect in the Angels system each of the last three seasons (2012-14).

Matt Silverman told the media the point of deal was to clear more at bats for John Jaso (and eventually Jennings), and also “to save money” ― about $3MM.

The team announced the trade via a press release:

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Eduar Lopez from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for outfielder David DeJesus. The Rays will play tonight’s game vs. the Detroit Tigers with 24 players, and will make a corresponding later to replace DeJesus on the active roster.

Lopez, 20, went 2-2 with a 4.32 ERA (33.1-IP, 16-ER) in eight starts for Rookie-level Orem this season, ranking ninth in the Pioneer League in ERA, tied for first in starts and third in strikeouts per nine innings (8.9). Over parts of four minor league seasons, he is 10-9 with a 3.39 ERA (191.1-IP, 72-ER) and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings. He made his professional debut as a 17-year-old in the Dominican Summer League in 2012, finishing third in the league in strikeouts (83). The following year, he ranked among DSL leaders with 83 strikeouts (tied for first), .132 opponents’ batting average (first) and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings (first).

Lopez was signed by the Angels as a free agent in 2012, and has been ranked by Baseball America as a Top-30 prospect in the Angels system following each of the last three seasons (2012-14).

DeJesus, 35, is a 13-year veteran who hit .259 (60-for-232) with five home runs and 26 RBI in 82 games for the Rays this season. He started 65 games between left field (44), designated hitter (20) and right field (one). He was acquired from the Washington Nationals in August 2013, and in parts of three seasons with the Rays batted .254 (146-for-574) with 13 home runs, 56 RBI and 33 doubles in 200 games. In 2013, he took part in the first postseason of his career as the Rays advanced to the American League Division Series.

Speculation over who may fill DeJesus’ spot on the roster ran the gammit, from the power hitting INF Richie Shaffer and OF Mikie Mahtook, to Grady Sizemore who was recently optioned to Durham.

Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Rays) added his two cents, tweeting:

Rays seem likely to bring Sizemore back on Friday (when his 10 days are up). Could do a 1-day move on Wednesday, maybe a pitcher.

Catcher Bobby Wilson was recalled for Wednesday afternoon’s matinee against the Detroit Tigers, however, he isn’t expected to remain with the team for the long-haul. Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wilson is here for protection with Casali filling the DH role Wednesday. It seemed like an odd short-term move, since Wilson doesn’t have an option, and someone will be called up ahead of the upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

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