Angels’ Mike Moustakas praises, thanks Rockies day after trade

There were no “hallelujahs” or “thank heavens” from veteran Mike Moustakas on Sunday, a day after he was traded from the Rockies to the Angels.

In fact, the 34-year-old Moustakas had nothing but praise for the Rockies, who signed him to a minor-league deal before spring training and helped resurrect his career.

Never mind that the Angels blasted the Rockies, 25-1, Saturday night in the worst defeat in Rockies franchise history. Forget that Moustakas is moving to an Angels team that entered Sunday’s game with a 42-36 record and is competing for a playoff spot in the American League. And also forget that Colorado (30-49) is on pace for its first 100-loss season.

“It’s a great group of guys over there, and (Colorado) gave me an opportunity to play major league baseball again, and I’m very thankful for that,” the corner infielder nicknamed “Moose” said before the Angels and Rockies played the third game of their series at Coors Field.

“Obviously, we didn’t play as well as we should have or wanted to, but that’s a good group of guys over there,” he continued. “You have a group of young players that are going to learn how to play at this level.”

Moustakas was traded in exchange for right-handed prospect Connor Van Scoyoc. Colorado is in desperate need of pitching depth, so it’s taking a chance on Van Scoyoc, 23, an 11th-round pick by the Angels in 2018 out of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

In 47 games for Colorado, Moustakas slashed 270/.360/.435 with four homers, 17 RBIs and a .795 OPS, including .318/.400/.418 away from Coors Field. After struggling with injuries in 2021-22, he was released by the Reds in January, with the club eating his $22 million contract.

Moustakas shared hugs with several Rockies players on Sunday morning, an illustration of what a popular teammate he became in less than half a season.

Moustakas has played primarily first base for Colorado, a position that’s been a problem for the Angels all season, but he can also fill in at third if need be.

“We’ll mix and match and work it out,” Angels manager Phil Nevin, whose team has lost infielders Anthony Rendon, Gil Urshela and Zach Neto to injuries in the last two weeks. “This week, the lineup hasn’t had the depth we have had all season. We feel like we have that now.”

Moustakas, a three-time All-Star, has played for five playoff teams and was the starting third baseman for the Royals when they won the World Series in 2015.

Estevez thrives. Former Colorado reliever Carlos Estevez, who signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract with the Angels during the offseason, is pitching like an All-Star. He entered Sunday’s game with a 1.74 ERA and had converted all 19 save chances.

Estevez, who pitched for the Rockies from 2016 to ’22 and posted a 4.98 ERA over 321 games, said no longer having to pitch regularly at Coors Field as been a blessing.

“You can be a lot more consistent with your fastball,” he said. “You don’t have to change it every seven days or when you get back from the road.”

Estevez also said he didn’t realize how taxing pitching at altitude had been on his body until he left Colorado.

Injury/roster updates. First baseman C.J. Cron, who’s been out with a lower-back injury, could rejoin the Rockies as soon as Tuesday when they host the Dodgers. He’s been playing extended spring games in Scottsdale, Ariz.

In the meantime, the Rockies on Sunday recalled first baseman Michael Toglia from Triple-A Albuquerque. At Albuquerque, Toglia was slashing .240/.357/.463 with 13 home runs, 11 doubles, two triples, 47 RBIs, 41 walks and 67 strikeouts. He batted .174 in 10 games during an earlier stint with the Rockies.

Toglia’s time with the Rockies could be short-lived if Cron is ready to return on Tuesday.

Right fielder Kris Bryant (left heel bruise/planter fasciitis) ran the bases Sunday, a sign that he might be able to return soon. He’s been on the injured list since May 31.