Trout surprised after learning of possible CF switch on Twitter

Los Angeles Angels superstar outfielder Mike Trout said he was caught off guard after learning his team could move him from center field this season.

Trout said he first learned of the potential switch on Twitter, per Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

"I talked to Joe (Maddon), talked to Perry (Minasian). Initial thoughts: Obviously, I hadn't really thought about it until it popped up," Trout told reporters, including the Los Angeles Times' Mike DiGiovanna, on Monday.

"I obviously love center field, and I can see (a switch) down the road. I've got nine more years left on the contract, so I can see down the road possibly moving to a corner. ... Obviously, corner outfield is a lot less on your body and stuff, just trying to keep me out there for 162 games. Coming in, I want to play center field."

On Sunday, Angels manager Joe Maddon said the team was toying with the idea of moving Trout away from center field to ensure he played more games than he did in 2021. The 30-year-old missed most of last season due to a strained calf muscle, plus the Angels employ a solid defensive outfielder in Brandon Marsh, who could play center if L.A. moved Trout.

"To play center field every day in the big leagues, coming off a severe injury, it's not going to be easy," Maddon said, according to Fletcher.

Trout added that Monday's conversation with Maddon and Minasian didn't settle where he would play, but Maddon later confirmed the three-time AL MVP would be his center fielder this season, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.