KANSAS CITY -- When Mike Trout trotted out to his position in center field on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium, he added another longevity feat to his long list of accomplishments.
Trout set an Angels record for most career games played at any one position with his 1,367th appearance in center, which moved him past longtime shortstop Jim Fregosi (1,366). Tim Salmon played 1,264 games in right field for the Halos and Garret Anderson logged 1,236 in left field.
Trout also went 0-for-2 at the plate, but he drew three walks, one with the bases loaded in a three-run seventh inning, but the Angels dropped a 6-3 decision in the series opener against the Royals.
Trout, who will turn 35 on Aug. 7, has had to overcome numerous injuries and prolonged absences on his way to the longevity mark.
“Mike has been in this game a long time, even though he’s still young,” manager Kurt Suzuki said prior to the series opener against the Royals. “That’s a testament to how special of a talent he is. Anytime you can play this game and surpass milestones, it’s definitely a tribute to the player.”