Angels, Tigers Make Deal: Pettis to Detroit for Petry

The Angels traded outfielder Gary Pettis to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Dan Petry on Saturday night, as major league owners gathered for their annual winter meetings.

Petry, 29, had a 9-7 record with a 5.61 earned-run average last year. He has a 107-81 career record.

Pettis, 29, a two-time Gold Glove award winner, hit .208 for the Angels in 1987. He is the Angels’ all-time stolen base leader with 186, including 24 last season.

Petry, a starter throughout his professional career, made nine relief appearances last year.

Mike Port, Angel general manager, said: “Petry has been a winner in the past and that adds an important element to our team. He will be in our starting rotation until he proves he shouldn’t be there.”

Port said the trade “could be beneficial to both clubs.’

Bill Lajoie, Tiger general manager, said: “Our defense needs improvement. Pettis gives us a pair of pluses. He’s proven he’s one of the best defensive outfielders in the league and he’s one of the best base stealers.”

Petry underwent surgery June 10, 1986, to have three bone chips removed from his right elbow. He was 1-5 after the operation and finished 5-10 for his first losing season in the majors.

“He’s proven throughout his career that he is a consistent winner,” Port said. “We believe he’ll bounce back and be fine.”