Angels acquire Justin Upton, Brandon Phillips for playoff push

The Los Angeles Angels acquired slugging outfielder Justin Upton from the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, upgrading their lineup for the playoff race.

The Angels also allowed Cameron Maybin to leave on a waiver claim by the Houston Astros, clearing the way for Upton to take over in left field.

For a player to be eligible for the post-season, they must be acquired by a team before 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Los Angeles began the day one game behind Minnesota (69-63) for the second American League wild card spot.

The 30-year-old Upton is having a strong season for the struggling Tigers, batting .279 with 28 homers and 94 runs batted in.

He represents an immediate upgrade in left field for the Angels (69-65), who are still fighting for a playoff spot despite several major injuries to their pitching staff and one of the American League's least potent lineups.

The four-time all-star signed a six-year, $132.75 million US deal to join Detroit before last season. The Tigers agreed to pay the Angels $747,951 to cover a portion of the $3,747,951 remaining in Upton's $22,125,000 salary this year.

His deal includes four more seasons at the same salary, but he can opt out after the World Series and become a free agent.

The Angels sent minor-league pitcher Grayson Long to Detroit, which also gets cash considerations or a player to be named. Long was among the Angels' better prospects after posting a 2.52 earned-run average in 23 double-A starts this season.

Angels swing deal with Braves for Phillips

The Angels also acquired infielder Brandon Phillips from the Atlanta Braves, swinging their second trade of the day.

The 36-year-old Phillips was in his first season with Atlanta, which acquired him in the offseason after 11 productive years in Cincinnati. He has been solid for the Braves, batting .291 with 11 homers and 52 RBIs.

Phillips was a late scratch from the Braves' lineup before their game against the Cubs on Thursday, and the Georgia native spent most of the night speaking to family members by phone while he considered whether to accept the trade.

"I let my family make the decision for me," Phillips said. "It was really tough to leave the team that I grew up watching. This decision was much harder than leaving the Reds, honestly, just being around the family and stuff like that."

Although he has played third base in August, Phillips is likely to play largely at second base for the Angels, who are struggling at the position. The three-time All-Star is a four-time Gold Glove winner joining a solid defensive team.

"The dream is to get a [World Series] ring, and that's what I have a chance of really doing right now," Phillips said. "I hope that I can help the team out."

The Braves also sent cash considerations to the Angels, and they received minor-league catcher Tony Sanchez from Los Angeles. Cincinnati already is paying $13 million of Phillips' $14 million salary for this season, making the deal very low-risk for the Angels.