Angels give hot-hitting Luis Rengifo a shot in the outfield

PHILADELPHIA — Playing center field and batting second for the Angels … Luis Rengifo.

Rengifo started Wednesday in the defensive position and lineup spot often occupied by Mike Trout, a symbol of how horribly wrong this Angels season has gone as well as how much the Angels think of Rengifo’s improvement and versatility.

Rengifo might get more time in the outfield over the final month if Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk are both claimed on waivers.

“I haven’t seen him a lot out there, but he’s such a good athlete, you can throw him everywhere,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said.

Offensively, Rengifo has had a strong second half in back-to-back years. He’s hit .315 with 10 homers and a .973 OPS over his past 55 games. That includes 15 hits in his last 27 at-bats.

“I’ve got a plan every single time when I go in the box,” Rengifo said. “I’m focused. Stay in my plan and don’t change.”

Nevin said hitting coaches Marcus Thames and Phil Plantier have helped Rengifo develop a better approach, which is evident by his increase from 17 walks last year to 41 this year.

“He’s swinging at the right pitches,” Nevin said. “He’s ready to hit the fastball each time he’s up there. And he’s been in a good position to hit the fastball, but being in a good position will keep you on off-speed stuff too.”

MOOSE SITS

Mike Moustakas was not in the Angels’ lineup Wednesday, which was partly because he had been in a 2-for-31 slump but also because Nevin said the 34-year-old infielder is best when he gets more days off.

“Running him out there five games in a row, six games in a row is a lot right now,” Nevin said. “You can visibly see when you’re out there for that long and it takes it takes a toll on what your swing is and the way you move.”

The Angels have also appreciated Moustakas’ presence in the clubhouse. It was notable that he was not among the players reportedly placed on waivers, even though he’s a free agent at the end of the season.

Whether or not Moustakas is back next season, the Angels clearly see value in the time he’s spending with the young players for the rest of this season.

“He’s still a really good major-league baseball player,” Nevin said. “He’s done a heckuva job for us. He’s won a lot of games for us. But more so he’s brought a lot to that room, instant credibility because of where he’s been and what he’s done in this game. He’s won World Series, a lot of playoff games. The more guys you can have in your clubhouse like that, the better off you’re going to be.”