Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout spent the vast majority of his profession as a middle fielder, however will play proper subject in 2025. File Photograph by Steven J. Nesius/UPI | License Photograph
Feb. 17 (UPI) — The Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout will make a everlasting transfer from middle subject to proper subject as a part of a technique aiming to maintain him wholesome and within the lineup, he introduced Monday.
“We kinda simply threw all the pieces on the desk, as in what’s finest for me, body-wise to maintain me on the sector,” Trout instructed reporters in Mesa, Ariz.
“We got here to conclusion that I am gonna go to proper subject. I am going to attempt it out, see the place it goes.”
Trout met with supervisor Perry Minasian and supervisor Ron Washington on Sunday to debate the swap. He mentioned he almost certainly will nonetheless spend a while in middle subject, if obligatory.
Trout, 33, was amazingly sturdy by means of his first 9 full seasons, taking part in in practically 90% (1,212 of 1,356) of the Angels’ video games. He hit .306 with 297 residence runs, 197 stolen bases and 782 RBIs over that span.
Trout appeared in simply 31% of the Angels’ video games over the past 4 seasons whereas hampered by a myriad of accidents. The 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP hit .276 with 76 residence runs, 11 stolen bases and 156 RBIs throughout that stretch.
Trout stays beneath contract by means of 2030, with an annual wage of $37.1 million, by means of the $426.5 million pact he signed in 2019.
“We talked about it yesterday, I am not gonna restrict myself,” Trout mentioned. “I can nonetheless play the sport laborious. That is the one approach I understand how to play.
“However simply restrict the general beat down and the damage and tear. I believe that is finest you are able to do.”
The Angels are anticipated to make use of Taylor Ward in left subject, with Joe Adell and Mickey Moniak amongst these splitting duties in middle. Jorge Soler is penciled in because the staff’s designated hitter.
Trout began 1,344 instances in middle subject over his first 1,518 MLB appearances. He made 124 begins in left subject and 17 in proper subject. Trout began 80 instances as a delegated hitter.
The Angels will begin their spring coaching slate in opposition to the Seattle Mariners on Saturday in Mesa. They’ll begin their regular-season marketing campaign in opposition to the Chicago White Sox on March 27 in Chicago.
