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Angels GM Jerry Dipoto doesn’t expect to make ‘high-profile’ moves

Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto doesn't appear to be interested in acquiring new talent before the trade deadline.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
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The July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is 3 1/2 weeks away, and a lot can change before then, but Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto did not sound Sunday like a guy who would be very aggressive in his attempts to upgrade a team that has underachieved for much of the season.

“This is our team,” said Dipoto, who made a bold move last July, acquiring pitcher Zack Greinke from Milwaukee for three prospects, including shortstop Jean Segura, who on Sunday was named to the National League All-Star team.

“You’re always looking for ways to get better, to maybe find some smaller pieces to contribute, but the high-profile moves? I wouldn’t suspect that we’re looking for those. I don’t know that we can acquire a better starting pitcher than Jason Vargas, and the bullpen has been very good.”

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The rotation and bullpen and have been thinned by injury and struggled at times with inconsistency, but the starting staff should be buoyed by the return of Vargas, the left-hander who was 6-4 with a 3.65 earned-run average before going on the disabled list because of a blood clot in his armpit June 21.

Vargas, who had the clot surgically removed, will be re-examined Tuesday and hopes to be cleared to resume throwing late next week. Right-hander Tommy Hanson, out since June 26 because of forearm tightness, has resumed throwing and is expected to return in late July.

Reliever Sean Burnett, on the DL since May 28 because of a left elbow impingement, is also expected to resume throwing Tuesday and hopes to return by late July.

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