THE GAME: The Angels beat the San Francisco Giants, 7-4, on Monday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Mike Trout started in right field, his first time at that position since 2011. It was Trout’s first game of any kind since his rehab assignment was cut short by a second torn meniscus last July.
PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander Kyle Hendricks pitched two perfect innings, striking out three, in his Angels debut. Hendricks credited catcher Travis d’Arnaud for pushing him to use his curveball more. He threw at least eight of them, including three in a row at one point. “I don’t think I’ve ever tripled up on a curveball,” Hendricks said. “He’s forcing me to get out of my comfort zone, but that’s a good thing to make me more unpredictable.” … Left-hander José Suarez pitched two innings, allowing a solo homer. … Right-hander Hans Crouse struck out all three hitters he faced in his first inning of the spring. … Right-hander Ryan Johnson pitched a perfect inning. Johnson was the Angels’ selection with the compensation pick they received for losing Shohei Ohtani last year.
HITTING REPORT: Trout walked in his first trip and struck out in his second. “I felt like I took a couple good swings,” Trout said. “Just a tick late. Just got to get my timing.” … Jorge Soler hit the Angels’ first home run of the spring, a towering three-run homer into the trees at the top of the berm beyond the left field fence. Soler also singled. … Taylor Ward doubled into the gap in right-center to drive in a run. He also narrowly missed a homer with a fly ball to the warning track.
DEFENSE REPORT: Trout, who has been moved to right to reduce wear and tear on his body, did not have a ball hit to him in three innings. He still said getting some game exposure to right field was helpful. “It felt good,” he said. “Just different angles. Things you work on in BP. Just getting comfortable. Trying to get a fly ball. I thought I had a ground ball there.” There were two grounders to the right side, but both of them were fielded by second baseman Christian Moore. … Center fielder Jo Adell, who is transitioning to that position with Trout’s move, made a routine catch. He did not have any other plays.
UP NEXT: Angels (RHP José Soriano) at San Diego Padres (TBD), Tuesday, 12:05 p.m. PT, at Peoria Sports Complex, FanDuel Sports Network West, 830 AM
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