Angels give rookie infielder Kyren Paris a look in center field
SEATTLE — As the Angels limp toward the finish line in this disappointing season, they are experimenting.
Kyren Paris got the start in center field Wednesday, even though he had not played a single professional game in the outfield and had only begun working out there “the last couple days,” Paris said. He said he played outfield when was growing up, though.
Manager Phil Nevin said they put Paris in center, instead of one of the corners, because it would be more familiar to him as a middle infielder.
“He looks comfortable,” Nevin said. “It’s been a while since he’s played outfield, but he’s a heck of an athlete. He’s going to go get it out there. We feel fine with him out there.”
Paris, a 21-year-old just two weeks removed from Double-A, was ready for the challenge, though.
“Guys are kind of dinged up right now and they needed a guy, so I’m willing to play out there right now,” Paris said.
The move was necessitated because Mickey Moniak is still out with a sore back and Randal Grichuk has some tightness in his groin.
Grichuk was still available to play, just not for a whole game, Nevin said. Moniak could be ready to play by Friday, which would be 10 days since he last played.
“It’s a low back spasm that’s really causing him some discomfort,” Nevin said. “Those things can come and go. So hopefully with these days off, and actually a little less treatment to not flare it up, and the off day (Thursday), we’ll see how he is on Friday.”
ADELL TO BEGIN REHAB
Jo Adell, who has been out with a strained oblique since early July, is going to play for Salt Lake on Friday. Adell will be the DH.
“He’ll be able to play over the weekend,” Nevin said. “What that means, timetable wise, I’m not sure.”
NOTES
Mike Moustakas (left wrist soreness) was not in the lineup Wednesday. Nevin said he needed a day off, regardless of the injury. “He just had his 35th birthday; he needs his days,” Nevin said. “He’s been a hecukva player for us. I hate the fact that we’ve had to run him out there a lot. He’s had some days where his legs haven’t been underneath him. You can probably attribute last night (three defensive misplays) to that. He’s played such a great third base. Everybody has a day once in a while. Yesterday wasn’t one that he would like to have. He’s been so good out there.” …
Shohei Ohtani (oblique tightness) continues to work out in an effort to play, but he was still not ready Wednesday. He has missed 10 consecutive games. …
Mike Trout (fractured hamate) has been taking dry swings, but he was not with the team in Seattle. …
Anthony Rendon (bone bruise) has been undergoing treatment in Anaheim while the Angels have been in Seattle. There is still no timetable for him to return. …
If the Angels are able to activate players like Adell, Trout, Rendon and C.J. Cron (back), it would slightly reduce their payroll against the luxury tax threshold. When a player is on the injured list, the team is paying him and his replacement. The Angels also could trim the number by calling up Jared Walsh or David Fletcher, who are both getting paid major-league salaries regardless of whether they are in Triple-A or the majors. The Angels are expected to finish the season near the threshold.
UP NEXT
Angels (RHP Griffin Canning, 7-6, 4.34) vs. Tigers (TBD), 6:38 p.m. Friday, T-Mobile Park, Bally Sports West, 830 AM