Mark Trumbo said earlier this week that the Angels wanted him to work with bench coach Rob Picciolo this offseason in order to see if he could be an option at third base, but those plans will have to be put on hold for now.
Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that a foot and and ankle specialist told Trumbo that the stress fracture in his right foot needs at least another month to heal. The American League Rookie of the Year candidate was shut down during the final week of the regular season due to the injury.
“We’re still going to proceed with caution,” said Trumbo. “I’m a bit disappointed, but these are the experts. They feel it would be wise to give this ample time to get better.”
Trumbo, 25, stepped in admirably at first base for the Angels this season, batting .254/.291/.477 with 25 home runs, 87 RBI and a .768 OPS over 573 plate appearances. However, with Kendrys Morales on the comeback trail from a second surgery on his troublesome left ankle and the outfield and DH spots crowded enough that top prospect Mike Trout could begin the 2012 season in the minors, Trumbo may struggle to receive regular at-bats moving forward.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the experiment isn’t to see if Trumbo can be a full-time third baseman, but rather a “50-game third baseman.” That may be wishful thinking, though. Trumbo has never played a game at third base professionally and many believe his lack of range will be an issue. That he’s coming off a foot injury probably doesn’t help matters.
