Healthy Trout hopes to take center stage

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Mike Trout made his spring debut at a familiar position against the D-backs on Sunday at Salt River Fields.

Trout started in center field, his natural position, for the first time since April 29, 2024, after moving to right field last year. The 34-year-old has indicated that he prefers to play center this season, as he feels more comfortable there and thinks it’s easier on his body than playing in a corner-outfield spot.

Trout, who went 1-for-1 with a walk at the plate, said it felt great to be back in center and immediately saw action by catching a fly ball to center for the first out of the opening frame. He played three innings in center before being replaced by Wade Meckler.

“It feels good to be out there again,” Trout said. “It’s where I feel comfortable. I like being out there.”

Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, is still expected to see some time in the corners this spring. Jo Adell and Josh Lowe will also see action at all three outfield positions to increase their versatility. Adell, though, started in right and Lowe started in left in the Cactus League opener against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Ideally, the Angels will be able to use an outfield of Trout in center, Lowe in left and Adell in right with Jorge Soler serving as designated hitter. Bryce Teodosio and Jose Siri are competing for an extra outfield role as a defensive-minded backup center fielder.

Manager Kurt Suzuki said it would help if Trout can lock down center field but wants to give Adell and Lowe reps there this spring.

“It would definitely help things settle in, but then again, all three of those guys can mix in in center field,” Suzuki said. “At any given time, anybody could play center. If we feel like that's the best option that day for the team, then that’s what we’re going to do. It’s a great thing to have flexibility.”

Trout’s health will come into play on how much he can play center, as he only played 22 games in right last year because he sustained a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee on April 30. He returned on May 30 but never played the outfield again, as he had to be relegated to DH duty.

Trout said his knee is healthy after the offseason and he wants to play more outfield this year. He’s never liked being a DH and his offensive numbers were down by his standards last year. He hit .232/.359/.439 with 26 homers and 64 RBIs in 130 games, while his career slash line over 15 seasons is .294/.406/.570.

Suzuki said Trout’s health and defensive ability will dictate how much he plays the position this year.

“It’s a little bit of both,” Suzuki said. “It’s not fair to the team or Trout if we put him in a position that we feel like [is] not going to benefit the team. But Mike is very adamant saying he'll play wherever. I think that's a great sign. And if Mike does well in center field, I’d love to have him there. Who wouldn’t want Mike Trout in center field?”

Alek Manoah, who threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut with his fastball around 93-94 mph, echoed Suzuki’s sentiment.

“Any time Mike is out in center,” Manoah said, “it’s great for the game.”