ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels have requested waivers on 19-year veteran outfielder and designated hitter Raul Ibanez for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.
The highlight of his brief stay with them was on April 12, when he hit a tying three-run homer with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning against the New York Mets' Jose Valverde for his 2,000th career hit.
"I am disappointed in the way that I performed for this great organization," Ibanez said in a statement released by the team after the Angels' 3-2 10-inning win over the Texas Rangers Saturday night. "Jerry [Dipoto] and Mike [Scioscia] were totally straightforward and professional with me today and I will always appreciate and respect them for that."
The Angels also optioned right-hander Cam Bedrosian to Double-A Arkansas after he gave up nine runs, eight hits and seven walks in 5 2/3 innings over his first six big league appearances. Infielder Efren Navarro was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake, and right-hander David Carpenter was added to the major league roster.
Ibanez, the second-oldest player in the majors behind Jason Giambi, batted .157 with three homers and 21 RBIs in 190 plate appearances for the Angels after signing a one-year deal for $2.75 million during the offseason.
"Raul's going to be tough to replace in the clubhouse. He brings so many intangibles," Scioscia said. "We've got some young kids, but it's a tough day for us. Raul's a great competitor and a terrific person, and we'll definitely miss him. Like anybody, there was disappointment. He's very accountable. He knows he didn't do what he wanted for us. He took it with what you'd expect for a guy with his class."
Ibanez' career has included three stints with the Seattle Mariners. He also played for Kansas City, Philadelphia and the New York Yankees. His career average is .273 with 303 homers and 1,202 RBIs.
Also, Angels first baseman Albert Pujols was out of the lineup Saturday night against the Rangers. Pujols left Friday night's game early after he said his lower back locked up as he scored on an Erick Aybar single. He was available to pinch hit.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.