Iannetta makes debut at second spot in lineup

ANAHEIM -- When Angels catcher Chris Iannetta looked at Tuesday's lineup card, he was a bit surprised.

For the first time in his eight-year career, Iannetta saw his name in the second spot of the batting order.

"They have their reasons for putting me there," Iannetta said. "Obviously what I've done or what I'm able to do, matches up with what they're trying to do. So, they plugged me in there."

Those "reasons" are basic enough.

The catcher has shown a lot of discipline at the plate, posting a .355 on-base percentage against a .212 batting average entering Tuesday night's matchup with Rays lefty Matt Moore.

"I think Chris will bring a couple things -- first, his on-base percentage, second his ability to see some pitches and make more work for some outs early," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He really hangs in there against left-handed pitching well. When you're weighing the pros and cons, obviously you're concerned about the running speed in front of Mike [Trout] and things like that, but -- especially tonight -- it is outweighed if he can bring his on-base percentage into the game."

With 61 walks and 57 hits, Iannetta is the only player in baseball (with at least 100 at-bats) to have more walks than hits.

Although the spot in the order may have changed, Iannetta said his approach will not.

"I don't care where I hit as long as I'm playing in the lineup," Iannetta said.