Kole Calhoun’s season has been one great downward slide through the Angels’ lineup. After batting fifth to begin the year, he’s tumbled through the order as his performance has worsened—and it’s worsened considerably. Calhoun occupied the eighth spot on the lineup card for a few weeks until Sunday, when manager Mike Scioscia decided to try something different. He tried batting Calhoun second.
It didn’t work. The rightfielder went 0-for-3, striking out twice and stranding three men on base before being yanked for a pinch-hitter in the seventh. But considering Calhoun’s year so far, Scioscia’s desire to reach for something new is easily understood.