Angels add 2 veteran hitters to bolster lineup around Mike Trout

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are always looking for ways to put a stronger team around Mike Trout.

On Sunday, that meant adding two veteran hitters off the scrap heap to see if they have any gas left in the tank.

The two hitters picked up by the Angels: LaMonte Wade Jr. and Ben Gamel.

Wade was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, while Gamel was a free-agent signing.

The Wade pickup is especially intriguing, because he was an above-average hitter for three of the past four seasons before tanking at the plate this spring to the tune of a .167 average.

It's not clear exactly where Wade can play, given that Nolan Schanuel is holding down first base.

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The Angels' announcement of the move called Wade an outfielder, so he could be an occasional platoon partner out there with a right-heavy group.

Gamel, who was assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake, was granted his release by the Tigers in late May. 

The long-haired outfielder is a career .252 hitter. 

It seems like if Wade doesn't work as an outfielder, maybe the Angels then give Gamel a chance for his left-handed stroke.

These are low-key moves, but they're at least an attempt by the Angels to uncover some remaining potential.

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