Dodgers trade Drew Butera to Angels

SAN DIEGO -- The Dodgers on Tuesday traded backup catcher Drew Butera to the Angels for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the teams announced.

Butera was designated for assignment on Friday to make room for Ryan Lavarnway, claimed off waivers from the Red Sox.

This is the first trade between the Freeway Series rivals involving a major league player since March 31, 1976, when the Dodgers sent outfielder Orlando Alvarez to the Angels in exchange for catcher Ellie Rodriguez.

Butera hit .188/.267/.288 in 61 games for the Dodgers in 2014, setting career highs with three home runs and 17 walks. He threw out 11-of-34 (32 percent) would-be base stealers, but also was near the top of the league with six passed balls despite catching only 57 games.

The Dodgers acquired Butera from the Twins for minor league pitcher Miguel Sulbaran at the July 31 trading deadline in 2013, and he appeared in four games with the big club in September. On Tuesday night, Butera tweeted out a thank you to Dodgers and their fans.

I Want to thank the dodgers and the fans for the great experience and support. Enjoyed my time there.

— Drew Butera (@drewbutera) December 10, 2014

Butera, 31, has four years, 18 days of service time, and is eligible for salary arbitration this winter. The newest Angel is out of options.