Angels release former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak

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ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels released outfielder Mickey Moniak on Tuesday.

Moniak hit .219 with 14 homers and 49 RBI last season for the Angels, who acquired the former No. 1 overall pick from Philadelphia in August 2022 in a trade for pitcher Noah Syndergaard. In 2 1/2 seasons with Los Angeles, Moniak batted .242 with 100 RBI and a .709 OPS.

Moniak was expected to share the Angels' starting job in center field this season with Jo Adell, making his release a surprising development two days before the start of the regular season.

Moniak's release appears to open a roster spot for Matthew Lugo, the 23-year-old outfielder acquired from Boston at last year's trade…