The Angels have lost five out of their last six games and currently sit at a disappointing 26-34 on the season, so manager Mike Scioscia has decided to make some sweeping changes to his lineup.
According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, Trout is back in the leadoff spot today against the Red Sox for the first time since April 14. Meanwhile, the struggling Josh Hamilton will slide into the No. 2 spot for the first time this season and Erick Aybar will move from the leadoff spot to eighth in the order. Howie Kendrick will hit fifth, which is Hamilton’s old spot.
In a perfect world, the Angels would keep Trout in the No. 2 spot, but they just aren’t getting much out of Aybar right now. The 29-year-old shortstop is hitting just .266 with a .280 on-base percentage. It’s not clear whether this is a permanent move for Trout, as the Angels could give Peter Bourjos another shot at the leadoff spot when he returns from the disabled list next week.
