A Return To Center Field Could Be The Plan For Mike Trout

Mike Trout says he would for illustration to return to halfway section for the Angels, and nan prima slugger says he will skip nan World Baseball Classic because of security issues.

The 11-time All-Star who been plagued by injuries since 2021 says his acquainted position isn’t arsenic physically demanding arsenic nan area outfield spots, contrary to accepted thinking.

Trout played his astir games since 2019 past season, finishing astatine 130. The three-time American League MVP started 22 of his first 29 games successful correct section earlier a knee wounded sidelined him for a month. The 34-year-old was exclusively a designated hitter erstwhile he returned successful precocious May.

Trout had 26 location runs but deed conscionable .232, by acold nan worst mean of his profession erstwhile he had astatine slightest 400 at-bats.

He spent clip successful near section early successful his profession but was a halfway fielder for 11 consecutive seasons earlier nan move to right. Injuries constricted Trout to 111 games nan erstwhile 2 years.

Trout said conversations pinch first-year head Kurt Suzuki person included nan thought of a return to center.

“I consciousness for illustration I’m astatine my champion erstwhile I’m successful center,” Trout told reporters astatine nan club’s outpouring training installation Monday. “If I person to spell to nan corner, I’ll spell to nan corner.”

Trout said a return to halfway will beryllium bully for his health.

“When I was successful center, it was little connected my assemblage than nan corners,” Trout said. “To beryllium honest, successful correct section I felt I was moving a lot. Talking to immoderate different outfielders and they’re saying that they consciousness nan aforesaid measurement sometimes, halfway is little connected your legs. I conscionable consciousness ... assured successful center.”

Trout, who played successful his only WBC 3 years ago, had said he was willing successful playing again earlier security issues arose.

“It’s disappointing,” Trout said. “I wanted to tally it backmost pinch each nan guys.”

Promising young Boston outfielder Roman Anthony has been named arsenic a Team USA wounded replacement for Arizona’s Corbin Carroll, who has a surgery bony successful his correct hand.