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The Los Angeles Angels have signed Angel Sanchez to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com. With veteran shortstop Maicer Izturis likely to depart for free agency in the offseason, the club could use Sanchez as their backup shortstop in L.A. next season.
Sanchez, 29, has bounced around various organizations in recent years. He was originally drafted by the Royals, although he joined the Blue Jays in 2009. He also spent one year with the Red Sox and has been with the Astros since. Most of his time has been spent in the minors, but he has appeared in 184 major league games, hitting .255 with a .612 OPS.
The likely reason the Angels decided to take a chance on Sanchez is the numbers he posted at Triple-A in 2012. He hit .320 with a .390 on-base percent, both good for career highs. Given his steady glove work in the field, he could make for a decent bench option for L.A. next year.