TEMPE, Ariz. – Star player Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels, who has faced numerous injuries throughout his career, is shifting from center field to right field in an effort to enhance his longevity on the field.

Trout, a three-time MVP in the American League, has played in 82 games or less during three of the last four seasons due to various injuries. This statistic does not take into account the shortened 2020 season, in which he participated in only 53 games.

The decision to change positions was initiated by Trout himself, who felt it was necessary to discuss his physical well-being with the organization. “I presented everything regarding what is best for me health-wise to stay on the field,” Trout remarked on Monday. “I’ve concluded that transitioning to right field is the way to go. I’ll give it a try and see how it develops.”

Trout mentioned that although he might occasionally play center field, his main objective will be to acclimate to the right field position. “I was aware that this was a possibility; I just need to adapt to the change,” he explained. “My priority is simply to be on the field.”

In addition to playing in the outfield, he may also fill the role of designated hitter and potentially have more days off during the season.

“It’s important for me to express my feelings honestly,” Trout stated. “They will likely try to provide me with rest days, but my desire is to be out there competing.” This contrasts with his stance three years ago when he declined to switch positions under former manager Joe Maddon.

“Looking back at the past few seasons, my goal is to preserve my legs while still being able to chase down balls in right field,” Trout noted. Last season was particularly challenging for him, with Trout appearing in only 29 games after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Previously, he missed most of the 2021 season due to a strained calf and was sidelined for several weeks in 2022 due to a back issue. In 2023, a broken bone in his hand limited him to just one game after July 3.

By making this adjustment to right field, there’s hope that Trout can regain his standout form as he has been a dominant force in Major League Baseball during the early years of his career, with a salary exceeding $37 million. In his last MVP season in 2019, Trout achieved a batting average of .291, hitting 45 home runs and driving in 104 runs.