The Texas Rangers have been in the market for a right fielder ever since Nelson Cruz was suspended for the remainder of the regular season — 50 games — for alleged performance enhancing drug use. David Murphy started in right field in Anaheim that night, and you might recall how that went.
So on Friday the Rangers and White Sox worked out a trade that sends Rios and cash to Texas for a player to be named later, expected to be minor leaguer Leury Garcia.
In 28 at-bats over seven games against the Angels this season, Rios has batted .357/.379/.714, with two home runs and six RBIs. The Rangers and Angels play seven more times before the season is over, giving the Angels just one more thing to look forward to in an increasingly long season.