Trade talks fail, so Hillenbrand released

The Angels, unable to trade Shea Hillenbrand in the 10-day period after he was designated for assignment June 29, had no choice Monday but to release the former designated hitter, who is now a free agent.

In a similar position last season, after struggling pitcher Jeff Weaver was designated for assignment, General Manager Bill Stoneman was able to acquire a decent outfield prospect, Terry Evans, from St. Louis for the right-hander.

But apparently no team was willing to give up a prospect for the 31-year-old Hillenbrand, who batted .254 with three home runs, five doubles, 22 runs batted in and 19 runs in 53 games for the Angels.

Hillenbrand is free to sign with any team, and the Angels will be required to pay all but about $180,000 of his $6.5-million contract.

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Chris Resop, who left Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees because of an elbow irritation, was diagnosed Monday with tendinitis in his right triceps. The reliever will be reevaluated Thursday, but the injury does not appear serious.

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-- Mike DiGiovanna