Trout's right-field debut: No reps, but 'I felt good'
Rhett Bollinger
@RhettBollingerTEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Trout was hoping for at least one ball hit his way in his first game since transitioning from center field to right field, but he ultimately didn¡¯t make any defensive plays in the Angels' 7-4 win over the Giants in his Cactus League debut on Monday.
Trout had to settle for just being happy to be in game action for the first time since he reinjured his left knee in his lone rehab game with Triple-A Salt Lake on July 23. He initially tore his meniscus on April 29 and was attempting to return mid-season, but had to have his knee surgically repaired a second time.
In camp and healthy with the Angels this spring, Trout went 0-for-1 with a walk and a strikeout while playing three innings in right field against San Francisco at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
"It felt good,¡± Trout said. ¡°Just different angles, things you work on in BP, getting comfortable. Trying to get a fly ball. Thought I might get a ground ball there, but it¡¯s fine."
It marked Trout¡¯s first action in right field since 2012 and his first action anywhere other than center field since 2013. Trout has played 1,344 career games in center, compared to 124 in left and just 17 in right.
"It¡¯s different,¡± Trout said. ¡°The balls in the gap are going to come back to me for a righty and then there¡¯s the balls down the line. We've been working on that. So once I get comfortable with all that, I¡¯ll be fine."
Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, said those drills on balls hit in the gap are important right now because he¡¯s used to being in charge in center. But he¡¯s learning to defer to new center fielders Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell to avoid a potential collision. He¡¯s been working hard with veteran coaches Bo Porter and Eric Young Jr. on adjusting to his new position.
"When we're doing communication drills, I feel like I'm still playing center because I like to be aggressive,¡± Trout said. ¡°But I know that center fielders get the ball. Talking to Mickey and talking to Jo, [I've] just gotta be loud. I still have center field instincts. I'm trying to catch everything. So if I hear their voice, I'm going to let them have it. Communication is big, for sure."
As for how he felt at the plate, Trout came away mostly pleased by drawing a walk in his first plate appearance and striking out in his second.
"I felt like I took a couple good swings,¡± Trout said. ¡°Just a tick late. Just seeing live pitching, trying to get my timing.¡±
It was simply a welcome sight for the Angels to see Trout on the field, as the move to right is an effort to keep him healthy after four straight injury-plagued years. But they¡¯re confident in the decision to move him to a new spot.
"We feel like right field with his talent and ability, he¡¯ll not only make the move, but grow,¡± general manager Perry Minasian said. ¡°It's a short wall, and with his athletic ability I think we're going to see some highlight plays with him robbing some homers at home. He can play anywhere. And I¡¯ve said this before, but if we asked Mike Trout to play shortstop, he'd do it."
Minasian explained that they believe that playing right field will come with less wear and tear for Trout because there¡¯s less ground to cover than in center. Trout will also get occasional time at designated hitter, as well as days off when needed.
"For us, taking the load off [him] in center field is really important, there's a lot of responsibility that comes with center field,¡± Minasian said. ¡°You have to worry about not only yourself, but both guys in the corners. It's constant moving. You're backing things up on both sides. You're cutting right, you're cutting left. In right field, it limits those responsibilities and with our situation, we think it's what's best for the team.¡±
Tidbits
? Manager Ron Washington missed Monday¡¯s game due to illness, with bench coach Ray Montgomery serving as manager. Washington could return Tuesday, but will be monitored by team doctors.
? Infielder Luis Rengifo has also been dealing with an illness, so his Cactus League debut won¡¯t come until Friday.
? Longtime Angels broadcaster Mark Gubicza arrived at camp as a guest instructor. Gubicza had a stellar 14-year career from 1984-1997, earning two All-Star nods with the Royals and an eventual spot in Kansas City's Hall of Fame. His final season in the Majors came in Anaheim in '97.