Former New York Mets star Daniel Murphy is back in Major League Baseball after signing a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The 38-year-old infielder had been playing for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League, where he hit an impressive .331 in 37 games. This marks Murphy's return to affiliated baseball after last playing in the majors with the Colorado Rockies in 2020.

Angels manager Phil Nevin expressed his surprise at Murphy's recent performance, stating, "Honestly, I didn’t know until a week or so ago that he was playing. It sounds like he looks good. He’s been swinging the bat. We’ll see what we got when he goes out and plays." Although the Ducks announced Murphy would report to Triple-A Salt Lake, the Angels haven't confirmed his assignment.

Nevin, who himself has experience in independent leagues, added, "I just heard about it a little while ago. Yeah, it’s a depth thing. I know he’s been swinging well in the independent league. I’m fond of those guys that come from the independent leagues. I’ve been from one, too." Murphy's signing comes amidst recent controversies surrounding the Dodgers' Pride Night and the Blue Jays' release of Anthony Bass. Murphy himself faced criticism in 2015 for comments about Billy Bean's homosexuality. He stated at the time that while he would accept Bean as a teammate, he disagreed with his "lifestyle." Following the ensuing controversy, a team spokesperson indicated Murphy would refrain from publicly discussing his religious beliefs.