Peter Bourjos on Angels bench for ninth time in 11 games

MINNEAPOLIS — Peter Bourjos’ game-changing speed and Gold Glove-caliber defense aren’t doing the Angels much good on the bench, but that’s where those tools will be again for Wednesday night’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

The center fielder was not in the lineup for the ninth time in 11 games, his playing time greatly affected by the April 27 promotion of outfielder and leadoff batter Mike Trout, but his attitude remains upbeat and optimistic.

“It will all work out one way or another,” said Bourjos, who is hitting .192 with a .259 on-base percentage. “I think I’m too good of a player for it not to. When you’re not winning games, things have to change. I got off to a slow start, so they went in another direction.”

The Angels seem committed to giving Trout, who plays center field and left field, an extended look in the leadoff spot and have opted to play left fielder Vernon Wells, who entered Wednesday with a .240 average, four home runs and eight runs batted in, far more than Bourjos.

Manager Mike Scioscia continues to say that Bourjos, who hit .271 with 12 homers, 11 triples and 26 doubles last season, “will bring a presence to this team,” but Bourjos’ primary role lately has been that of a pinch-runner.

“If they ask me to pinch-run in the eighth inning, I have to be ready to do that,” Bourjos said. “I can’t pout like a baby — otherwise, it will snowball. I’m going to keep working in the cage, stay positive and not dwell on the fact that I’m not in the lineup.”

The Angels lineup: CF Mike Trout, 3B Alberto Callaspo, 1B Albert Pujols, DH Kendrys Morales, RF Torii Hunter, 2B Howie Kendrick, LF Vernon Wells, SS Erick Aybar, C Bobby Wilson, P Ervin Santana.

The Twins lineup: CF Denard Span, SS Brian Dozier, 1B Joe Mauer, LF Josh Willingham, DH Ryan Doumit, 3B Danny Valencia, RF Erik Komatsu, C Drew Butera, 2B Jamey Carroll, P Carl Pavano.

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Peter Bourjos on Angels bench for ninth time in 11 games