Angels acquire RHP Cory Rasmus in exchange for LHP Scott Downs
Club sends left-hander Scott Downs to Braves
The Angels Monday traded left-handed reliever Scott Downs to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cory Rasmus. Today's announcement was made by General Manager Jerry Dipoto.
Rasmus, 25, has spent a majority of the 2013 campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.72 ERA (36.2 IP - 7 ER) and 14 saves in 37 appearances. The native of Columbus, GA was leading the Triple-A Braves club in ERA and saves. Rasmus made his Major League debut with the Braves on May 22 vs. Minnesota. Over two different big league stints and three appearances this season, the right-hander posted an 8.10 ERA (6.2 IP - 6 ER) while striking out six in 6.2 innings pitched.
Rasmus, the brother of Blue Jays' outfielder Colby Rasmus, was originally drafted by Atlanta in the 1st round (38th overall selection) of the 2006 draft out of Russell County High School (Seale, AL). His father, Tony, was drafted by the Angels in 1986.
Over the course of seven minor league seasons, the right-hander has gone 17-22 with a 3.61 ERA (311.2 IP - 125 ER) in 143 games while logging 24 saves and 323 strikeouts.