Angels release utility candidate Bill Hall

TEMPE, Ariz.—Bill Hall, a leading candidate for a utility spot until he was sidelined by the first of two leg injuries on Feb. 27, was released by the Angels on Friday, though it’s possible he could sign another minor league deal to remain in the organization.

The Angels faced a Tuesday deadline to either add Hall to the 40-man roster—virtually assuring him a spot on the big-league club—or pay him a $100,000 bonus to remain in the organization. By releasing him before Tuesday, the Angels won’t have to pay Hall the $100,000 bonus.

Hall, 33, spent the first eight years of his career in Milwaukee and had his best season in 2006, when he hit .270 with 35 homers, 39 doubles and 85 RBIs.

He spent most of 2012 at triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .246 in 90 games, with 15 homers and 45 runs batted in. He appeared in only seven big league games for the Baltimore Orioles.

The Angels signed Hall, who can play second base, third base and the outfield, thinking he would add some right-handed power to the bench, but Hall suffered a strained quadriceps in late February and a calf strain on March 13, and he hasn’t played in an exhibition game this month.

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