ANAHEIM -- For a long stretch of the season, Angels utility infielder Taylor Featherston's struggles at the plate meant that the Angels, essentially, couldn't give shortstop Erick Aybar or second baseman Johnny Giavotella any days off. The Rule 5 Draft pick -- who is batting just .155 -- has had to remain on the Major League roster, but his role was as a defensive replacement.
Now, with Giavotella sidelined indefinitely with fourth nerve palsy, which gives him double vision when he looks down or to his left, Featherston is suddenly the Angels' starting second baseman as they chase a playoff spot.