Versatility Increases Figgins’ Value

Chone Figgins has enhanced his chances of becoming an everyday major-league player this season by displaying increased versatility. He has played four positions for the Angels, including his most recent stint in center field, and even spent a few games at third base -- a fifth position -- for triple-A Salt Lake.

“He’s so versatile, whatever position your team might need, he might have the ability to step up every day for you,” Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said. “For a young player who doesn’t have a lot of major-league experience, that’s big. I think his future is in a number of positions.”

Figgins has primarily played second base since being acquired by the Angels in 2001, though he occasionally played in the outfield in the Colorado Rockies’ minor-league system.

The Angels have given Figgins an opportunity to start in center field since Darin Erstad went down with a hamstring injury for the second time this season, and they have been impressed with his speed and ability to chase down balls hit in the gap.

“What I think has been a pleasant surprise is how well his arm plays out there,” Scioscia said. “His arm plays better out there than it does at second base, and you don’t see that very often.”

Figgins, who has started the last four games in center field, has also started 12 games at second base, one at shortstop and one in left field. Scioscia said Figgins’ versatility is reminiscent of Seattle utility player Mark McLemore.

Figgins, hitting .286 after going hitless in three at-bats Wednesday during the Angels’ 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Edison Field, has said he doesn’t care where he plays, as long as he is in the lineup on a consistent basis.

“If Chone continues to do the things offensively that he’s improved on the last couple of years, you’re going to want him in there somewhere every day,” Scioscia said.

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The Angels have until Monday to trade or release utility infielder Benji Gil, who has refused an assignment to triple-A Salt Lake, and as of Wednesday there was little interest. “If there had been, we’d have done it by now,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. Stoneman said the Angels probably wouldn’t be able to trade Gil unless an infielder on another team suffered an injury.... David Eckstein sat out a second consecutive game with tightness in his right hamstring, though Scioscia said he didn’t expect the shortstop to be out much longer.... The Angels optioned reliever Bart Miadich to Salt Lake after the game and selected the contract of utility player Adam Riggs.