ANAHEIM -- At the beginning of the year, Michael Trout said one of his goals for the 2018 season was to improve his defense in center field. Manager Mike Scioscia certainly feels that he's accomplished that.
"Gold Glove," Scioscia said when asked about Trout's defense following the Angels' 8-1 win over the Rangers on Wednesday. "Gold Glove. No doubt. He's playing tremendous center field."
Trout's improved defense was on display against the Rangers, as he saved a run by nailing Robinson Chirinos at the plate to end the third inning.
The Rangers had runners on first and second with two outs against right-hander Felix Pena when Elvis Andrus delivered a single to center field. Chirinos tried to score from second on the play, but Trout's two-hop throw reached catcher Francisco Arcia in time to get Chirinos for the final out of the inning, preserving the Angels' 2-0 lead.
"It's tough with the mound from center field," Trout said. "I kind of just came up and tried to keep it low. I got a good bounce, kept it true and got him out."
After recording -6 Defensive Runs Saved in 2017, Trout made a point to work on his defense this season, focusing on getting better jumps and playing more aggressively. He now has 4 DRS this season, according to FanGraphs, which is tied for sixth among American League center fielders.
"You can always get better," Trout said. "I take pride in defense, catching balls that I don't think I can catch. Arm strength and accuracy, you can always improve on that. It's come a long way."
While Trout is a two-time American League Most Valuable Player and a seven-time All-Star, he does not have a Gold Glove Award on his resume, partly because of the glut of defensively gifted center fielders in the AL. He's hoping his defensive strides this season will be enough to change that.
"I think that's every outfielder's dream," Trout said. "I try to go out there and catch everything and try to throw everybody out. It would be pretty cool."